The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority has published an amended Elimination Scenario for Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) in covered fruit crops of tomato, sweet pepper, and chili on substrate. The change concerns the use of tow cloths.
The new document (NL) states:
'When tow cloths are used, the greenhouse decides in coordination with the contractor how and when to disinfect the tow cloths. Tow cloth first thoroughly removes dirt and plant debris, cleans, and then disinfects. Tow cloths that leave the greenhouse should always be disinfected.
Disinfection can be done by steaming the cloth: at least 90°C for at least 30 consecutive minutes or by immersing the cloth in a hot water bath of at least 90°C for at least 10 consecutive minutes. When the cloth is rolled, ensure that the hot water or hot steam penetrates the core of the roll to achieve the required temperatures for the minimum time periods (the core of the roll must also be wet during those minimum time periods).
A previous document, a plan of action for the elimination of ToBRFV, published in October 2022, said the following about tow cloths:
The tow cloths must be cleaned and disinfected before use, and after use, they must be cleaned and disinfected again.
It is the grower's responsibility to make proper arrangements in this regard!)
The grower was supposed to indicate in the plan how tow cloths are disinfected. On the invoice after a crop change, the grower must specify the hot water treatment of the tow cloths.
According to the latest official NVWA figures from February 2023, there are 50 infected locations in the Netherlands. These greenhouses are under the supervision of the NVWA.