ToBRFV has spread to Estonia and Slovenia.
The NPPO of Estonia recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus in its territory. The virus was detected in a greenhouse producing tomato fruit in the municipality of Saue vald, during an official survey.
Samples were taken in May 2021 and the identity of the virus was confirmed in July 2021. Eradication measures are being taken and include the destruction of all plants in the greenhouse, as well as the disinfection of the greenhouse and associated equipment at the end of the growing season. Fruit can be marketed for food.
Slovenia
The NPPO of Slovenia recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tobamovirus, ToBRFV – EPPO A2 List) in its territory. The virus was detected in a greenhouse producing tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum) at the end of July 2021 in the municipality of Grosuplje (region of Osrednjeslovenska).
Eradication measures are being taken and include the destruction of all host plants in the infected area at the end of the harvest, as well as hygiene measures for packing material and production site structures, materials, machinery, tools, equipment and means of transport. The marketing of non-symptomatic fruits is allowed.
Current status of the virus spreadings, source: EPPO
Duty to report
Since 1 November 2019, the ToBRFV has been designated by the European Commission as an organism that is subject to control (quarantine pest). That is why there is a duty to report for anyone who suspects the presence of this virus. The virus, which causes serious damage to pepper and tomato crops, is not dangerous to humans.