Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) was found in a recent tomato crop that was grown under cover in Laconia. The presence of this virus was confirmed through a positive test on a sample of tomato plants obtained from the Benakeio Phytopathological Institute, which had been provided by the Directorate of Agricultural Economy and Veterinary Medicine of Laconia as part of the official virus confirmation process.

It's worth noting that the virus first appeared in Laconia in 2020 during an official survey of outdoor and covered tomato crops. ToBRFV is an extremely dangerous EU quarantine pest that poses a significant threat to tomato and pepper crops. Its danger lies in its ability to overcome the resistance of commonly used tomato hybrids, as well as its ease of transmission through seeds and mechanical contact between plants, and through standard cultivation practices.

It's essential to emphasize that there are no known curative measures for this virus. Prevention and maintaining strict crop hygiene are the only effective methods for managing this virus.

The symptoms of the virus include the appearance of yellow or brown rings, brown areas, wrinkling, deformities, and uneven ripening in the fruit, as well as chlorosis, mosaic patterns, variegation, curling, lamina distortion, and strictures in the leaves. Infected plants can lead to a reduction in production of up to 70%, rendering the fruits unmarketable.

The European Union's phytosanitary regulations governing this pest are outlined in Commission Implementing Regulation 2023/1032, dated May 25, 2023. According to this regulation, all plants for planting and tomato and pepper seeds entering the European community must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate, and those originating from the EU and traded within the community must be inspected and carry a phytosanitary passport.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com