First report of tomato ringspot virus (Nepovirus lycopersici) in Belgium
The NPPO of Belgium recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first outbreak of tomato ringspot virus (Nepovirus lycopersici, ToRSV – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. A few interceptions of potted plants infested with ToRSV had been recorded in Belgium at the end of 2023 but those were not considered as outbreaks.
ToRSV was detected in January 2024 in samples of 3 Malus domestica trees during official testing before exportation. The exportation of the lot was consequently blocked, and the trees cannot be moved. The trees had been grown in an open field in the province of Vlaams-Brabant. Further samples and analyses are being performed to assess the phytosanitary situation, investigate the source of the outbreak and delimit the infested area.
The pest status of tomato ringspot virus in the Belgium is officially declared as: Present, in specific parts of the Member State, where host crop(s) are grown.
Sources
NPPO of Belgium (2024-04).