First report of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Turkey
Virus symptoms were observed in January 2019 on greenhouse tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) growing in Demre near Antalya in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Symptoms included leaves with chlorotic mosaic, mottling, rugosity and occasional narrowing. Necrotic spots were observed on the peduncle, calyces and petioles and the fruit was rough with chlorotic and necrotic patches. About 20% of plants in the greenhouses were diseased. Symptomatic plants were tested by RT-PCR and Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tobamovirus, ToBRFV - EPPO Alert List) was identified. The authors noted that the production of winter-grown tomatoes is important to the economy of Turkey, and Antalya is the main centre of off-season production.
Following this detection, the NPPO of Turkey has demarcated an infected area and applied eradication measures. Further surveys are being conducted for the presence of ToBRFV in tomato and pepper (Capsicum spp.) production in the entire country.
The situation of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Turkey can be described as follows: Present, few occurrences (Mediterranean region).
Sources
Fidan H, Sarikaya P, Calis O (2019) First report of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus on tomato in Turkey. New Disease Reports 39, 18. http://dx.doi.org/10.5197/j.2044-0588.2019.039.018
NPPO of Turkey (2019-06).