Tomato troubles: Veggie virus threatens to squash Australia's multi-billion-dollar industry

The tranquillity of Australia's vast agricultural landscape has been disrupted by the unwelcome arrival of a highly contagious virus known to target some of the nation's most beloved vegetables.

It faces a new challenge as a recently detected disease has raised concerns for the nation's multi-billion-dollar vegetable industry.

The discovery has sparked fears of potential widespread impact, with authorities moving swiftly to address the situation.


For the first time, the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has been detected in South Australia, sending a wave of concern across the $5.8 billion vegetable industry that stands as a cornerstone of the Australian economy and a source of livelihood for thousands.

ToBRFV, while posing no known threats to human health, has been deemed a ‘considerate threat’ to the agricultural sector, particularly affecting tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies.

The virus was identified at two separate properties within the Northern Adelaide Plains region, sparking immediate action from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).


image (34).jpg
The Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has been detected in South Australia, threatening Australia’s $5.8 billion vegetable industry. Credit: PIRSA


The detection of such a disease is a stark reminder of the delicate balance within our ecosystem and the ever-present need for vigilance in protecting our agricultural heritage.

PIRSA has taken the helm in this crisis, launching an investigation to trace the source of the outbreak and assess the potential for further spread.

‘Response and surveillance measures are underway, and PIRSA is working closely with the affected businesses with quarantine measures implemented at the properties,’ it stated.


South Australian Chief Plant Health Officer Nick Secomb has issued a call to action for growers, saying, ‘Growers are urged to look out for signs of tomato brown rugose fruit virus and report anything unusual to ensure early detection.’

According to him, biosecurity is ‘everyone’s responsibility’.

‘Infected plants show symptoms such as mosaic patterns, yellowing and deformities on leaves, while fruits develop brown wrinkled spots, deformations and uneven ripening, reducing their yield and marketability. Different plant varieties can present different symptoms,’ PIRSA explained.


ToBRFV can decrease marketable yields by as much as 15 per cent in tomatoes.

The virus is included on the National Priority Plant Pest list, and growers who suspect it may have spread to their plants or crops are encouraged to promptly contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline at 1800 084 881.

Growers worried about the impact of the ToBRFV outbreak on their operations can access free support through PIRSA’s Family and Business (FaB) mentor service.


While Australia's vegetable industry faces a significant threat from a newly discovered tomato disease, there are still innovative methods that home gardeners can explore to ensure healthy and robust tomato crops.

Amidst concerns over potential crop losses, a new technique has emerged that promises to boost the quality of homegrown tomatoes, offering hope to those looking to cultivate resilient plants in their own backyards.
Key Takeaways

  • The Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has been detected in South Australia for the first time, posing a threat to Australia's $5.8 billion vegetable industry.
  • ToBRFV affects tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies but has no known human health effects yet can significantly impact plant health and crop yields.
  • The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is conducting an investigation and has put quarantine measures in place to control the spread of the virus.
  • Growers were urged to watch for symptoms and report any unusual plant behaviour; biosecurity is everyone's responsibility, and PIRSA is offering support to concerned growers.
Have you noticed changes in the quality or availability of your favourite vegetables? How do you think we can better protect our agricultural industry from such threats? Join the conversation below, and let's discuss the importance of plant health and biosecurity in preserving Australia's future food security.
 
Last edited:
Sponsored
What I find so amazing is the speed in which the "tin foil Hat Brigade"will blame the government and anyone else that they can think of for something as simple as a virus capable of destroying food products the previous comment about there being no such thing as a virus that can destroy vegetables obviously has that person living under a rock or so far down the "Rabbit Hole" that they cannot accept logical thought, vegetables and fruit are living things so it is obvious that a virus would exist that can cause damage to them anyone who has grown their own food can tell you of the various types of "Blight"that can affect our garden plantings. whether a much loved and nurtured tomato plant or fruit trees in the back yard all plants whether ediable or not are prone to being attacked and as far as that being a plot to increase prices, give me a break and go hide under that tin foil hat!!
I think you are the one living in the Rabbit hole.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Gaena
I'm doomed!!! :p
You'll be ok.
Just lock-down for 2 weeks to flatten the curve!

Just In:
Biosecurity says it is necessary
to destroy 240,000 egg tomato
hens plants on a NSW bee-keeper
property, where Varroa mite has
mutated and is causing Tomato
Covid. Operation Tomato Sauce
has been activated to find a way to
prevent unvaccinated Tomatoes
from succumbing to the mite.

More to come ...
Update 5 mins ago:

Bill Gates is reportedly flying to
Australia in his CO2-free 737B
with the head of Pfizer. Gates said
he might have a vaccine for this
mutation, since they were working
on a Tomato x Varroa mite vaccine
with some Chinese friends just 18
months ago in Wuhan. Gates said he
foresaw this happening 2 years ago
and the WHO has funded the
Chinese research under his guidance.

"It's fortunate we got in early" said Mr
Gates, "the early investment research
has really paid off."
 
Last edited:
You'll be ok.
Just lock-down for 2 weeks to flatten the curve!

Just In:
Biosecurity says it is necessary
to destroy 240,000 egg tomato
hens plants on a NSW bee-keeper
property, where Varroa mite has
mutated and is causing Tomato
Covid. Operation Tomato Sauce
has been activated to find try to
prevent unvaccinated Tomatoes
from succumbing to the mite.

More to come ...
Love IT Cannot wait for chapter 2 of the story
 
  • Like
Reactions: Veggiepatch
What I find so amazing is the speed in which the "tin foil Hat Brigade"will blame the government and anyone else that they can think of for something as simple as a virus capable of destroying food products the previous comment about there being no such thing as a virus that can destroy vegetables obviously has that person living under a rock or so far down the "Rabbit Hole" that they cannot accept logical thought, vegetables and fruit are living things so it is obvious that a virus would exist that can cause damage to them anyone who has grown their own food can tell you of the various types of "Blight"that can affect our garden plantings. whether a much loved and nurtured tomato plant or fruit trees in the back yard all plants whether ediable or not are prone to being attacked and as far as that being a plot to increase prices, give me a break and go hide under that tin foil hat!!
Agree, Gaena.
There are many viruses carried by the Thrips and Aphids that have been detected in the winds at very high altitudes.

In QLD the PawPaw (Papaya) industry was almost wiped out in the 1970's by a virus.
It was known that Aphids carried the virus from other countries that already had it in their crops.

No conspiracy about that.

Many fruits and veges, citrus etc all have been known to have leaf wilt and rusts of various kinds, and the result is the trees drop their fruit early, or have blemished fruit that is unattractive to shoppers.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gaena

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×