First report of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Italy (Sicilia)
The NPPO of Italy recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first outbreak of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tobamovirus- ToBRFV) in Sicilia. Following a report submitted by the University of Palermo, a preliminary survey was carried out by the Regional Phytosanitary Service of Sicily. The presence of ToBRFV was confirmed in one greenhouse (2000 m2) growing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Ispica municipality (Ragusa province). About 10% of plants were infected but symptoms were not severe. Further surveys will be conducted in the area to detect potential other outbreaks.
The pest status of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Italy is officially declared as: Present, at low prevalence, in specific parts of the area where host plants are grown.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2019-01).