A tomato virus has appeared in the French production area of Brittany. It is spreading rapidly and is rapidly approaching Switzerland. The disease causes a mosaic-like discoloration of the tomato leaves and yellow spots on the fruit. The leaves may also become narrower or the fruit deformed or irregularly ripened. In most cases, the tomatoes could no longer be sold. Nau.ch states that the virus poses no danger to humans.
The virus first appeared in Israel in 2014. The current virus is more aggressive than two previously known viruses. In greenhouses, it can spread to the whole site via hands, clothes, tools, irrigation systems or contaminated seeds. It is also transmitted by bumblebees.
So how great is the fear of the virus in Switzerland? "The industry is tense because of the infestations abroad," Louis Sutter of the Plant Health Department at the Federal Office for Agriculture told Nau.ch. Precautions have already been taken.
This means that a campaign is underway to inform the industry. In addition, production plants and the trade are being monitored and an emergency plan is being drawn up. In addition to this, vegetable growers are obliged to report any concrete suspicions. However, it is not in principle the case that whole stocks have to be destroyed in case of an infestation. "Each infestation is unique in terms of virulence, size of the outbreak, moment of discovery or distribution of host plants," Sutter said. Migros is also alarmed
Strict security measures
Migros is also aware of the virus and is alarmed. So far, however, the orange giant has not been affected, says media spokesman Tristan Cerf. A shortage of tomatoes is currently not foreseeable. "Our producers are taking very strict security measures to prevent an outbreak of the virus", said Cerf.
Source: : Nau.ch