First report of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Greece
The NPPO of Greece recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first detection of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tobamovirus, ToBRFV – EPPO Alert List) on its territory. Symptomatic plants of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) grown for fruit production in a greenhouse (1500 m2) were observed by a grower in August 2019 on the island of Crete in the regional unit of Chania. The identity of the virus was confirmed in September. Phytosanitary measures, including the destruction of the plants in the greenhouse, have been adopted with the aim to eradicate the outbreak. Official surveys are carried out in the area. The origin of the outbreak is still under investigation, but it is considered that the virus was probably introduced through infected plants for planting.
The pest status of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Greece is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Greece (2019-10).