About tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV)
ToBRFV (Tobamovirus fructirugosum) causes fruit discolouration, deformities and irregular maturation in affected fruit. It has been of global concern to the tomato industry since its discovery in 2015 in the Middle East.
ToBRFV affects tomatoes and capsicums and can also be found in petunia and certain weeds such as black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and some other solanaceous plants.
The virus species belongs to the genus Tobamovirus and the family Virgaviridae.
Why this is a problem for New Zealand
ToBRFV is not present in New Zealand. If it came here, it could seriously affect crop production and tomato quality, reducing market value and our ability to trade.
How it could get here
The virus could potentially enter New Zealand on imported tomatoes or tomato seeds.
In August 2024, Biosecurity New Zealand placed import restrictions on tomato seed and fresh tomato imports from Australia. This followed the detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus at 2 South Australian tomato growing properties.
Imported seeds for sowing from Australia now require testing for the virus prior to arrival in New Zealand. This is a requirement that is already in place for other countries where the virus is present.
Fresh tomato imports from all Australian states were also temporarily suspended on Friday 23 August 2024, with this decision to be reviewed in 7 days.
Media release: Biosecurity New Zealand takes action in response to Australia tomato virus find
Media release: Biosecurity New Zealand temporarily suspends all Australian imported tomatoes
Related import health standards
Seeds for sowing [PDF, 1.9 MB]
Importation and clearance of fresh fruit and vegetables into NZ [PDF, 2 MB]
Where you would find it
This virus is more likely to show up in commercial glasshouses than in home gardens.
What it looks like
In tomatoes, infected plants may show:
- yellow and green spotting and grooves in the skin
- brown spots and wrinkled (rugose) patches
- irregular ripening and maturation
- leaves with mosaic symptoms that are also narrowed, puckered and deformed.
How the tomato virus spreads
Where ToBFVR is present, it can be easily transmitted by mechanical means in crop operations such as de-leafing, twisting and harvesting, but also by contaminated items such as knives, pruners, clothing, jewellery and containers.
Very strict greenhouse hygiene measures are needed, including:
- washing hands frequently and using disinfection mats at greenhouse entry points
- using disposable personal protection equipment (PPE) and shoes
- using different tools and gloves between glasshouses and between rows.
Tomatoes New Zealand has further information, resources like fact sheets, and advice for growers on its website.
ToBRFV detected in Australia – Tomatoes New Zealand
What to do if you see it
If you find a tomato plant with all or most of the symptoms:
- photograph it
- contain it securely away from other plants
- call MPI on 0800 809 966
- wash any tools you used on the plant as this virus can be spread on tools and equipment.
