Update on the situation of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Sicilia (Italy)
In Italy, Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tobamovirus, ToBRFV - EPPO Alert List) was first observed in 1 tomato greenhouse in Sicilia in December 2018 (EPPO RS 2019/013). During the following official survey carried out in the production area of Ispica (Ragusa province, Sicilia), 7 new infected locations were identified. In the 5 infected greenhouses producing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit, about 15% of plants were infected but symptoms on fruit were not severe. In the 2 nurseries producing tomato seedlings under protected condition 6 lots of seedlings (6000 plants in total) and 7 lots of seed (not of Italian origin) were found to be infected. Phytosanitary measures are being applied to eradicate the outbreak, including incineration of infected plants and disinfection of facilities.
The pest status of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Italy is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2019-07).