Customer case

Primato keeps PepMV pressure under control thanks to DCM’s PMV®-01

About this client

Name

Primato

Sector

Greenhouse horticulture

Location

Putte (Belgium)

“Today, choosing not to vaccinate against Pepino mosaic virus is no longer an option. Because PepMV weakens the plant and increases its susceptibility to other viruses and pests, we consider vaccination an integral part of a broader cultivation strategy.” – Robin Hagers, crop manager at Primato.

1. Structural protection: Primato and the challenge

Primato is a family-owned business driven by a young entrepreneurial spirit, cultivating a wide assortment of truss tomatoes across 12.5 hectares of greenhouse production. Diversity, sustainability, and high-quality, flavourful products are central to the company’s philosophy. As crop manager, Robin Hagers is closely involved in daily operations and has an in-depth understanding of the business. He describes Primato’s assortment as broad and varied: "We actually grow the entire range: mini San Marzano tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, large truss tomatoes, and several intermediate varieties. That means you constantly have to monitor the specific cultivation needs of each variety."

Growing such a diverse selection of varieties requires a strong basic protection strategy, especially when it comes to viruses such as Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV). Although Robin did not personally experience the major PepMV outbreaks of the past, he is well aware of their impact through stories and firsthand observations. “When I started, vaccination was already common practice, so I never faced the worst outbreaks myself. But my father also runs a tomato farm, and as a child I saw the damage up close. More recently, I’ve seen greenhouses where sections were overlooked during vaccination. The effects are immediate: plants turn completely black, and the crop is lost. It clearly shows how vulnerable tomato cultivation still is.”

This vulnerability is exactly why prevention plays such a crucial role at Primato. PepMV is not a problem you want to tackle only once symptoms appear– by then, the damage is already done. For that reason, Primato has structurally embedded protection measures as a standard and indispensable component of its cultivation strategy.

2. Why does Primato choose DCM?

At Primato, the decision to work with PMV-01® is far from new. As Robin explains, the company has relied on DCM products since its very beginning, and crop vaccination has been an integral part of its standard practices for many years. Over time, a strong relationship of trust has developed with DCM, rooted in a broader approach that values not only the product itself, but also the expertise behind it. "In the case of PMV-01®, for example, the way the vaccination is carried out is also very important. DCM always provides very detailed guidance on the best way to proceed. That is a real added value for us, because it’s not simply about applying a product, but about applying it correctly." This practical support makes a real difference for Primato. As a result, Robin sees DCM not merely as a supplier that provides a product, but as a partner actively involved in the cultivation process. According to him, this collaboration goes beyond technical instructions alone and also includes thinking along about growing conditions, timing and crop monitoring.

Another major advantage of PMV-01® is its excellent compatibility with Primato’s integrated crop protection strategy. “Being able to introduce beneficial insects as early as possible is extremely important for us," Robin explains. "The more conventional crop protection products are used, the longer we have to wait before releasing them, and the longer the crop remains unprotected against pests. With PMV-01®, we can vaccinate today and, practically speaking, release natural enemies the very next day. With other products, waiting periods of up to five weeks are not uncommon. In our growing system, being able to move forward quickly is absolutely crucial."

3. Learning curve and fine-tuning: the experience with DCM

During the initial years of working with PMV-01® at Primato, the main focus was on fine‑tuning the application method. According to Robin, the vaccination itself is not a complicated procedure, but that proper execution makes all the difference. "We now deliberately choose to apply the vaccine immediately after planting. The operations that follow—such as leaf removal, side‑shoot pruning or tying up the plants—help ensure that the vaccine is properly distributed throughout the crop. This approach has been the key factor behind the results we’ve achieved in recent years.”

This also clearly demonstrates that there is indeed a learning curve. Robin does not describe the approach as complicated, but rather as one in which attention to detail is essential. Factors such as the quality of the mixing water, the spraying technique, precise timing, and knowing when to scale hygiene measures back up all play an important role. "If you intervene too early, you also risk removing the vaccine from the leaves. It’s always about finding the right balance." Another important consideration is that not all varieties react in exactly the same way: " You always see that the product has a greater effect on certain varieties than on others. That’s something you need to take into account in day-to-day practice.”

4. Increased resilience: results with DCM

For Primato, the greatest benefit lies in certainty and continuity. Vaccination with PMV-01® prevents Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) from becoming an unpredictable disruptive factor and instead turns it into a manageable risk. Robin puts it in a straightforward yet convincing way: " You can clearly see that susceptibility is still present. That’s why, for us, treatment is not a minor detail but a fundamental requirement for ensuring proper crop development." PepMV can weaken plants and, in the worst case, also make them more susceptible to other diseases and pests. That is why anything that contributes to a strong start and a more resilient crop is a valuable asset.

5. Well-thought-out strategy: recommendation and advice from Primato

Robin has a clear message for fellow growers who are still hesitant. For him, preventive vaccination has become self‑evident and indispensable in today’s cultivation practices. "Under current conditions, with increasing pressure from other viruses and pests, protection against Pepino mosaic virus is absolutely essential. It brings real peace of mind for the rest of the crop." His advice is also very practical: don’t focus solely on the product itself, but also on how it is applied. "It’s crucial to find the right balance, both in terms of timing and in deciding which interventions to carry out—or not. When the product is applied correctly and hygiene measures are well managed, you simply lay a much stronger foundation for your crop."

With this, the crop manager actually summarises Primato's experience with DCM: PMV-01® is not seen as a stand-alone solution, but as part of a well‑thought-out strategy—one that provides effective protection, is compatible with organic cultivation, and is supported by a partner who actively thinks along with the grower, based on practical experience and on-the-ground realities.

PMV®-01

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