The Advisory Council for Regional Development has asked SENASA, the Ministry of Agrarian Development of the Province of Buenos Aires, and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Nation to restrict tomato imports from Chile. The request was made due to the fear of reintroducing the Pepino Mosaic Potexvirus (PepMV), a virus eradicated in Argentina forty years ago, which could affect local tomato, aubergine, and pepper crops, among others.
The concern arises due to the prevalence of this virus in tomato crops in Chile. PepMV, currently absent in Argentina, affects tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, peppers, and aubergines. In addition, it can persist in weeds that serve as sources of inoculum. Given this situation, the Council highlights the need to protect the fruit and vegetable production of La Plata and other regions of the country, which are potentially at risk from the introduction of foreign pests through uncontrolled imports.
Cucumber Mosaic Potexvirus (PepMV) is a pathogen that severely compromises cucumber, tomato, and pepper crops. It is easily transmitted through contact with infected plants, contaminated tools, and people's hands. The infection manifests itself through yellow spots on the leaves, fruit distortion, and a marked decrease in crop productivity. Given its high contagiousness and ability to survive under various conditions, there is no effective chemical treatment against PepMV, so prevention is the only viable strategy.
Source: infocielo.com