Estonian Tomato Malle F1 & Greenhouse Whitefly

Fruits and plants have been among the most popular themes in philately worldwide over the past decade, appealing to nature enthusiasts as well as admirers of cultural and food heritage. Estonian fruit breeding is a long-standing tradition, and to showcase its achievements, the stamp series “Fruits” is being launched, featuring red-themed and flavoured fruits in 2026. One example is the Estonian tomato cultivar “Malle F1” – a tall-growing and very high-yielding hybrid bred at the Jõgeva Plant Breeding Institute. It is an early variety, with fruits ripening within 105–110 days. “Malle F1” is resistant to grey mould and fruit cracking, making it well suited to Estonian greenhouses. However, it is threatened by the greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), a pest also common in Estonian greenhouses, which feeds on plant sap and weakens plants. A warming climate and intensive greenhouse cultivation promote the spread of this insect, making local plant breeding and plant protection increasingly important and linking the stamp series to globally relevant environmental issues.