The NPPO of the Czech Republic recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tobamovirus, ToBRFV – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. The virus was detected in a greenhouse of a breeding station of a seed company as part of a pre-export examination in a seed crop of Capsicum annuum in August 2020.
Three lots representing individual cultivars/breeding lines were visually inspected and sampled; no disease symptoms were observed. Two of the three samples tested positive for ToBRFV. Confirmation of the positive results has been obtained using two different real-time PCR methods with sequence analysis. The source of the infection is not yet known. The seeds used to grow the seed crop were breeding material originating in the Czech Republic.
Preliminary official measures have been taken to prohibit the movement of plant material from the infected greenhouse. A delimitation survey will be conducted in the other greenhouses and open fields in the premise in order to define the infected area. Eradication measures will be applied.
The pest status of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in the Czech Republic is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Source: NPPO of Czech Republic (2020-09).
Source: EPPO