In Germany, Tomato brown rugose fruit virus was first observed in 2018 in several tomato greenhouses in North Rhine-Westphalia. The sources of these infections are unknown, but it was noted that the young tomato plants had not been produced in Germany. Eradication measures were immediately applied. In May and June 2019, plants in these greenhouses were extensively sampled for the possible presence of ToBRFV. As all results were negative, ToBRFV is now considered to be eradicated from Germany.
First report in China
In April 2019, tomato plants showing brown rugose symptoms on fruit and mild mosaic symptom on leaves were found in 3 tomato greenhouses (approximately 4000 m²) in Yucheng (Shandong province), China. The incidence of diseased plants was estimated at about 50%. Samples were collected and analyzed for virus infection through Western blot, ELISA and RT-PCR. Sequencing confirmed the presence of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus. This is the first time that ToBRFV is reported from China.
Sicilia (Italy)
In Italy, Tomato brown rugose fruit virus was first observed in 1 tomato greenhouse in Sicilia in December 2018 (EPPO RS 2019/013). During the following official survey carried out in the production area of Ispica (Ragusa province, Sicilia), 7 new infected locations were identified. In the 5 infected tomato greenhouses, about 15% of plants were infected but symptoms on fruit were not severe. In the 2 nurseries producing tomato seedlings under protected conditions, 6 lots of seedlings (6000 plants in total) and 7 lots of seed (not of Italian origin) were found to be infected. Phytosanitary measures are being applied to eradicate the outbreak, including incineration of infected plants and disinfection of facilities.
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