Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (Tobamovirus fructirugosum; TOBRFV) was detected in plants growing in South Australia in August 2024. The virus was detected in three linked properties in the Northern Adelaide Plains area: the region is a large hub for protected cropping and horticulture production in Australia. This was the first time the virus has been detected in Australia, and an emergency response was initiated. The response is still underway with extensive testing, tracing and surveillance being completed over the last 6 months. As of writing, more than 12,000 samples have been analysed for the presence of TOBRFV. A coordinated national effort has allowed unaffected businesses to return to trade, with a market access certification scheme.
TOBRFV is a tobamovirus which was first identified in Jordan in 2015 and has spread rapidly through Europe and the Americas. TOBRFV’s main crop hosts are tomato and peppers (capsicum) and the main symptoms are mottling of leaves with browning of the edges and discolouration of fruit. The virus also can infect a number of weed species including weeds common in the region, such as deadly nightshade. The virus is mechanically transmitted and has a very long persistence on hands, gloves (up to 2 hours), cutting implements, equipment and surfaces (up to 9 months). The virus is resistant to many commonly used disinfectants and has an inactivation temperature of 90 degrees Celsius. Research overseas is ongoing for remediation and treatment of the virus, however re-infection of previously infected premises is commonly reported. Infected properties are currently undergoing extensive destruction, decontamination and disinfection protocols in aim to eradicate the virus. This talk will give an update on the situation of ToBRFV in SA, and discuss some of the issues encountered.
Acknowledgements: Members of the SARDI Molecular Diagnostics Centre and PIRSA TOBRFV Incident Management Team.