First report of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Germany
The NPPO of Germany recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first outbreak of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tobamovirus- ToBRFV) in Nordrhein-Westfalen. The virus was found in 7 greenhouses growing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) for fruit production, covering 25 ha. About 10% of plants showed symptoms. The identification was confirmed by molecular methods (RT-PCR with tobamovirus-specific primers and sequencing). Additionally, another greenhouse with tomatoes is suspected to be infected. The origin of the outbreak is not known. Trace-back studies are ongoing but it is noted that tomato seedlings originated from another country. Eradication measures are applied (destruction of the plants in the greenhouses, clearing and disinfection of the greenhouses and the material used for tomato production).
A rapid Pest Risk Analysis was conducted and concluded that the virus poses a significant phytosanitary risk for Germany and other EU Member States. This is the first report of ToBRFV in Europe. The virus was so far only known from Jordan (see EPPO RS 2016/024) and Israel.
The pest status of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Germany is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Germany (2018-11).
Menzel W, Knierim D, Winter S, Hamacher J, Heupel M (2019) First report of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus infecting tomato in Germany. New Disease Reports 39, 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.5197/j.2044-0588.2019.039.001
JKI (2018). Express – PRA zum Tomato brown rugose fruit virus https://pflanzengesundheit.julius-kuehn.de/dokumente/upload/ToBRFV_express-pra.pdf