Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute and CPSBB received a recognition as innovators and inventors for 2026

Two prestigious awards were received by the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute (МVCRI) and the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) in Plovdiv for the development of new vegetable varieties created through modern breeding and applied methods. The new developments have generated significant interest among producers and specialists in the agricultural sector, as well as positive feedback from consumers due to their taste qualities and cultivation resilience.

An award for innovation in the field of sustainable agriculture was granted to the new pepper variety “Baltovska Kapia,” developed jointly by scientists from МVCRI and CPSBB. The award was presented during the “International Agricultural Exhibition AGRA 2026,” held at the International Fair Plovdiv.

Additional recognition for scientific achievements was also given to the two research institutes by the Union of Inventors in Bulgaria, which awarded a diploma and a gold medal for the new cherry tomato variety “Mini Miss” as a contribution to plant breeding and innovation in vegetable production. The award was presented by the Chairman of the organization, Dr. Eng. Mario Hristov, to the Director of MVCRI, Prof. Daniela Ganeva, the Director of CPSBB, Prof. Tsanko Gechev, and members of the research team involved in the development of the new varieties.

Science in support of modern vegetable production

The development of the new varieties is the result of long-term collaboration between breeders, molecular biologists, and agronomists from the two institutes. The combination of classical breeding with modern biotechnological approaches enables the creation of varieties that meet contemporary requirements for sustainability, quality, and market potential.

CPSBB and MVCRI emphasize that the new developments are aimed at supporting the competitiveness of Bulgarian vegetable producers and creating high-quality local varieties adapted to the country’s climatic conditions.

Tomato variety “Mini Miss”

“Mini Miss” is a new high-yielding cherry tomato variety characterized by compact plants, uniform clusters, and attractive small fruits with excellent taste qualities. The fruits are bright red, with an average weight of about 12–15 g and a balanced sugar-acid ratio, making them suitable both for fresh consumption and for gourmet salads and dish decoration.

The variety is developed with a focus on sustainable production—plants show good adaptability to both greenhouse and field conditions, stable yields, and increased resistance to some of the main tomato diseases. This makes it suitable for professional producers, small farms and family holdings.

Pepper variety “Baltovska Kapia”

This is the first variety developed in Bulgaria with resistance to viral diseases. The variety belongs to the subspecies of large-fruited peppers, the group of long peppers, Kapia type.

It was created as a result of long-term complex breeding work at MVCRI and, in recent years, jointly with the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB), through hybridization between a resistant and a susceptible genotype of the tobacco mosaic virus from the breeders’ collection. This was followed by many years of backcrossing (over 20 years) with susceptible Kapia-type varieties (C. annuum) onto selected resistant plants in backcross generations. Subsequent repeated selection was carried out based on resistance, morphological, and economic traits.

The plants reach a height of 55 to 75 cm, have indeterminate growth, a strong stem, and form two to three primary branches. They exhibit anthocyanin coloration at the nodes, as well as on the hypocotyl at the seedling stage. The leaves are green, ovate, and pointed at the tip.

Contributors to the development of the variety include: Assoc. Prof. Velichka Todorova, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dimitrina Kostova-Protokhristova, Chief Assist. Prof. Gancho Pasev, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivanka Tringovska-Mendeva, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stanislava Grozeva-Tileva, Chief Assist. Prof. Dr. Vesela Radeva-Ivanova, Assist. Penka Filyova, and Prof. Dr. Tsanko Gechev.