PIRSA is currently responding to an outbreak of the exotic Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) in South Australia. ToBRFV containment activities are similar to what would occur if a grapevine pest, such as phylloxera, was found in South Australian vineyards.
ToBRFV is an exotic plant disease that affects tomatoes, capsicums and chillies. Listed on the National Priority Plant Pest list, it is highly contagious and regarded as a threat to Australia’s $5.8 billion vegetable industry.
The virus has been detected on three properties in the Northern Adelaide Plains. Following the confirmation of ToBRFV on two properties on 14 August 2024, a third infected property was confirmed on 30 August 2024 after tracing plant materials.
PIRSA has implemented quarantine measures on the infected properties and at property boundaries to manage the risk of the virus spreading. An assistance hub has been established to assist workers impacted by the virus outbreak.
Response activities are underway, including surveillance and tracing to determine the spread of the virus. PIRSA is also working closely with affected businesses to minimise cross-contamination.
As of 1 October 2024, more than 3,600 plant samples have been taken for testing from 27 properties, with 12 properties now advised that their results show ToBRFV is ‘not detected’. PIRSA has received results for more than 3,000 samples to date.
Perfection Fresh is one of the companies impacted by ToBRFV and has been forced to cut a “significant number of jobs” – possibly up to 500 – due to the outbreak.
ToBRFV could have a significant impact on South Australia’s vegetable industry, including considerable economic losses due to reduced yield and quality of produce. In tomatoes, ToBRFV can reduce marketable yield by up to 75%.
The virus has been the subject of two previous suspect detections in Australia in 2019 and 2020, but these were subsequently confirmed as negative. The current detection is the first confirmed case of ToBRFV in Australia.
ToBRFV is easily spread through:
- Infected seed, plants for planting, grafts and cuttings.
- Direct plant to plant contact, including grafting.
- Touch transmission by handling contaminated tools, gloves, equipment, surfaces, and clothing.
- Transmission in seeds and irrigation water.
The virus can survive in seeds, plant debris, and contaminated soil for months. Once a crop is infected, the only control action is destroying all affected plants and material.
Some weeds, including black nightshade, silverleaf nightshade, and buffalo bur are regarded as hosts for ToBRFV. Potatoes are not known hosts and eggplant is unlikely to host or be affected by the virus. Grapes are not a host.
For information about the ToBRFV outbreak in South Australia, click here
To read a Plant Health Australia fact sheet about ToBRFV, click here
