First report of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Morocco
The NPPO of Morocco recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the occurrence of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tobamovirus, ToBRFV – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. ToBRFV was first detected in October 2021 in the region of Souss-Massa and in March 2022 in the region of Dakhla. During the production season 2022-2023, about ten outbreaks have been confirmed on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) grown under greenhouses for fruit production. The sources of the outbreaks are infected imported seed.
ToBRFV has been a priority quarantine pest in Morocco since 2018 and official measures are taken in case of findings. They include the destruction of infected plants, restriction on cultivation of host plants and hygiene measures. In 2023, yield losses were observed, as well as increased management costs.
The pest status of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Morocco is officially declared as follows: Present, restricted distribution, under official control.
Sources
AgriMaroc (2023-10-17) ToBRFV : Pertes financières et stratégies de gestion https://www.agrimaroc.ma/tobrfv-pertes-financieres-strategies-lutte/
NPPO of Morocco (2023-10).