Update on the situation of tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Spain
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tobamovirus, ToBRFV – EPPO A2 List) was first detected in Spain in October 2019 in one greenhouse producing tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum) in the municipality of Vícar, Almería province (Andalucía) (EPPO RS 2019/238), and later in the neighbouring municipalities of Vicar and El Ejido (RS 2020/039). In the framework of its official surveys conducted in 2020, the NPPO of Spain reported further cases of ToBRFV.
- As part of the following up investigations on the outbreak detected in El Ejido, the NPPO of Spain detected the presence of ToBRFV in sweet pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum) in a research centre in the municipality of El Ejido. A sampling procedure was designed for the 3 495 seed lots (research lines) to identify which lots were infected by ToBRFV. All seed from the 41 lots that made up the positive grouped sample were destroyed. The remaining lots tested negative. Investigations to identify the origin of infected seeds are being carried out.
- In October 2020, a new outbreak of ToBRFV was found in a tomato crop in the municipality of Almeria (Almería province, Andalucía) in a greenhouse for research. Official phytosanitary measures have been applied, including the destruction of all tomato plants.
- As part of official surveys, in November 2020, ToBRFV was detected in asymptomatic sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) mother plants by group sampling in two municipalities: 1) in 2 units of a breeding company (one dedicated to commercial seed production, and one for research) in the municipality of Vicar; 2) in another company producing commercial seed in the municipality of El Ejido. All the seed stock produced from these mother plants was held on site. Mother plants will be tested individually and the mother plants (along with the seeds derived from them) will be destroyed if they are found to be infected.
The pest status of tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Spain is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Spain (2020-10, 2020-12, 2021-01).