Tomato brown rugose fruit virus: A new threat for tomato and pepper production

Abstract

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV; genus Tobamovirus, family Virgaviridae) was fi rst observed in 2014 on tomatoes in Israel, and otbreaks have recently occurred in China, Mexico, the USA and several EPPO countries. The virus is characterized as highly infectious and persistant. Propagative materials including transplants and seeds, as well as fresh fruits are considered high risk pathways for the introduction of ToBRFV into new areas. Also, ToBRFV is a virus easily spread mechanically by plant-to-plant contact, contaminated tools, shoes, clothing, hands and equipment during performing various plant care measures. Control of ToBRFV is a very diffi cult and it is important to prevent the introduction of the virus by using virus-free propagative materials. Once the virus is introduced, control measures are very limited and mainly rely on the elimination of infected plants and the application of strict hygiene measures, as resistant cultivars are not currently available. Due to its high damage potential for the tomato production, ToBRFV poses a considerable phytosanitary risk for European countries and was added to the EPPO A2 List in 2020.