Characterization Descriptors of the Heirloom Tomato "Moya Verde"
Infinite Seeds Association
We curate, preserve, and reproduce a collection of 1,700 heirloom and heritage tomato varieties for public use. We work to prevent genetic erosion.
History and Origin of the Variety
Historical Origin
Moya Verde is an extraordinary modern heirloom variety native to France, created and developed by Eric Pedebas at his Maurin-Lattes nursery in the Hérault department of Occitanie. This variety represents an exceptional achievement in artisanal tomato breeding, the result of years of meticulous selection and development by one of France's most respected breeders.
The story of Moya Verde begins in the greenhouses of Eric Pedebas, known professionally as "Le Tomatologue," where this variety was born as part of his Moya genetic line development project. This variety is currently in the process of establishing a genetic stability of 90%, a testament to the rigorous breeding work carried out by its creator.
Moya Verde is part of an exceptional family of varieties that includes its "sisters" Moya Noire (created in 2008 as a cross between Moya and Paul Robeson) and Moya Jaune, all developed by Eric Pedebas. This genetic line represents the culmination of decades of experience in heirloom tomato breeding, combining traditional selection techniques with a deep understanding of plant genetics.
Curiosities of Variety
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Artisanal creation: Developed by Eric Pedebas "Le Tomatologue" in Maurin-Lattes, Hérault, France
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Moya Family: Sister of the famous Moya Noire and Moya Jaune, forming an exceptional trilogy
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Variety in development: Currently at 90% genetic fixation, available for select cultivation
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Recent Champion: Winner of the IX Navarra Ancient Tomato Competition 2024
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Mediterranean adaptation: Especially adapted to the Mediterranean climate like all Moya varieties
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Giant fruits: Capable of producing tomatoes that can reach one kilogram in weight
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Unique color: Intense green that remains in the pulp even when the skin matures to mustard yellow
Cultural Importance
Moya Verde transcends its horticultural value to become a symbol of innovation in the artisanal breeding of heirloom tomatoes. This variety represents the continuation of a French tradition of excellence in the development of exceptional varieties, where Eric Pedebas has successfully combined traditional wisdom with modern selection techniques.
Its international recognition, evidenced by its victory in the prestigious 2024 Navarra Old Tomato Competition, demonstrates how French varieties continue to set quality standards in the world of heirloom tomatoes. The jury, led by Karlos Larrea, particularly praised its texture, aroma, sweet-acid balance, and exceptional umami flavor.
The Moya Verde variety has won over collectors and specialists around the world, and is particularly appreciated in the United States and other countries where exceptional varieties are valued. Its development represents a bridge between the French tradition of horticultural breeding and the contemporary need for varieties adapted to climate change.
Eric Pedebas, through his Moya line creations, has demonstrated that artisanal breeding can successfully compete with commercial varieties, offering superior organoleptic characteristics and specific adaptation to Mediterranean conditions.
1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Moya Verde" |
| Type of growth |
Indeterminate |
| Growth habit |
Vigorous and robust |
| Plant height |
Very tall (140-180 cm) |
| Plant vigor |
Exceptional |
| Color of young stem |
Green |
| Pubescence of the stem |
Present |
| Hair density |
Average |
| Leaf type |
Regular (not potato type) |
| Leaf color |
Deep green |
| Leaflet shape |
Regular |
| Leaflet edge |
Jagged |
| Leaf pubescence |
Present |
3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Moya Verde" |
| Fruit shape |
Flattened and ribbed beefsteak |
| Fruit weight |
Gigantic (250-1000 g) |
| Fruit diameter |
Gigantic (12-18 cm) |
| Color of unripe fruit |
Deep green |
| Color of ripe fruit |
Green with amber/mustard yellow tones |
| Color intensity |
Very intense |
| Color uniformity |
Uniform with nuances |
| Presence of green shoulders |
Feature (deep green) |
| Shoulder shape |
Reflated and curved |
| Surface smoothness |
Ribbed at the top |
| Presence of ribs |
Markedly ribbed |
| Fruit shine |
Matte to slightly shiny |
| Chalice scar |
Big |
| Pistil scar |
Median |
| Number of locules |
6-10 |
| Distribution of locules |
Regular |
| Thickness of the walls |
Very thick (>10 mm) |
| Firmness of the pulp |
Very firm and dense |
| Pulp color |
Deep green |
| Amount of juice |
Juicy |
| Quantity of seeds |
Few (<25) |
6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
| Feature |
Evaluation for "Moya Verde" |
| Days to flowering |
Medium-late (75-85) |
| Days to harvest |
Late (90-100 days from transplant) |
| Yield per plant |
Exceptional (8-12 kg) |
| Number of fruits per plant |
Low-medium (4-10) |
| Harvest concentration |
Staggered (better in second half) |
| Heat tolerance |
Excellent |
| Cold tolerance |
Moderate |
| Low light adaptation |
Regular |
| Recommended spacing |
80-100 cm between plants |
7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES
| Pathogen/Pest |
Evaluation for "Moya Verde" |
| Alternaria (Alternaria solani) |
Resistant |
| Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum) |
Resistant |
| Verticillium (Verticillium dahliae) |
Resistant |
| Mildew (Phytophthora infestans) |
Moderately resistant |
| Powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica) |
Moderately resistant |
| Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) |
Susceptible |
| Bacterial freckle (Pseudomonas syringae) |
Susceptible |
| Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) |
Susceptible |
| Yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) |
Susceptible |
| Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) |
Susceptible |
| Trips (Thrips tabaci) |
Susceptible |
| Aphids |
Susceptible |
| Cracking |
Resistant |
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "MOYA VERDE" VARIETY
Featured Attributes:
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Award-winning exceptional flavor: Sweet, fruity and smooth flavor with a notable presence of umami, recognized by specialized juries
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Extraordinary unique color: Intense green that remains in the pulp even when the skin matures to amber
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Gigantic size: Fruits that can reach one kilogram, among the largest in the world
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Exceptional texture: Green, firm and dense flesh with very few seeds
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Mediterranean adaptation: Specially developed for the Mediterranean climate with excellent heat tolerance
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Exceptional productivity: Improved productivity in the second half of the season with staggered production
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Artisanal creation: Variety developed by one of France's most respected breeders
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Superior resistance: Excellent resistance to diseases, especially in Mediterranean cultivation
Limitations:
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Variety in development: Currently at 90% fixation, may present some variability
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Very limited availability: Production restricted to nurseries specializing in exceptional varieties
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Massive structural support: Requires extremely robust tutoring systems due to the exceptional weight
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Very late season: Long cycle requiring extended growing seasons
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Mandatory spacing: It needs wide planting frames due to its great vegetative development.
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Specialized management: Requires experience in growing giant varieties and specific knowledge
Recommended Uses:
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Elite Collectibles: Essential for collectors of exceptional and unique varieties
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Specialized competitions: Ideal for giant tomato and rare variety competitions
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Avant-garde gastronomy: Appreciated by chefs seeking unique ingredients with a history
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Breeding research: Valuable for studies on the development of green giant fruits
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Genetic conservation: Crucial to preserving the legacy of French artisanal breeding
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Mediterranean cultivation: Excellent for regions with a warm and dry Mediterranean climate
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Horticultural Education: An Exceptional Tool for Teaching Modern Breeding Techniques
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Demonstration Gardens: Perfect for displays of horticultural diversity and excellence
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Specialty Markets: For direct sales to knowledgeable and gourmet consumers
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Horticultural tourism: Themed garden attractions and unique dining experiences
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Heritage Preservation: Essential to Keeping the French Tradition of Breeding Alive
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Climate Adaptation: Model for the Development of Varieties Adapted to Climate Change
Data based on documentation by Eric Pedebas "Le Tomatologue", results of the IX Navarra Old Tomato Competition 2024, information from specialized French nurseries, testimonials from international collectors, and references on artisanal breeding of heirloom tomatoes in the Mediterranean climate.
