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).


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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.
 
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Yep already got high tomato prices and now this. Just a money grab. Also as viruses don't exist they are just making it up or putting bacteria into the tomato plants or soil to produce this crap. Feel for the poor fatmers
 
I did a small amount of research and came up with a description of this disease via Wikipedia. Guess where it originated? See below.

History and distribution​

[edit]
In 2015 greenhouse tomato crops in Jordan showed mild foliar symptoms during the season, with fruit then developing strong brown rugose symptoms. Total RNA was extracted from the plants and Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were negative for many common tomato viruses but indicated the presence of a new tobamovirus.[1] After sequencing and characterisation, the name tomato brown fruit rugose virus (ToBRFV) was proposed.[1] The name was approved by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses later the same year.[2] In 2019 it was confirmed that symptoms observed on Capsicum annuum crops in Jordan in 2015 and 2016 were caused by infection of ToBRFV and Tobacco mild green mosaic virus.[3]
 
Yep already got high tomato prices and now this. Just a money grab. Also as viruses don't exist they are just making it up or putting bacteria into the tomato plants or soil to produce this crap. Feel for the poor fatmers
Viruses don't exist? What a load of poppycock! I gather you have a degree in medicine to back up this outlandish claim?
 
I did a small amount of research and came up with a description of this disease via Wikipedia. Guess where it originated? See below.

History and distribution​

[edit]
In 2015 greenhouse tomato crops in Jordan showed mild foliar symptoms during the season, with fruit then developing strong brown rugose symptoms. Total RNA was extracted from the plants and Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were negative for many common tomato viruses but indicated the presence of a new tobamovirus.[1] After sequencing and characterisation, the name tomato brown fruit rugose virus (ToBRFV) was proposed.[1] The name was approved by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses later the same year.[2] In 2019 it was confirmed that symptoms observed on Capsicum annuum crops in Jordan in 2015 and 2016 were caused by infection of ToBRFV and Tobacco mild green mosaic virus.[3]
Damn pesky Muslims....
 
It's amazing that we all of a sudden have another disease/virus
that will cause shortages in the food chain
It looks a bit suspicious
Yep funny that,,,,if it looks like a duck,, walks like a duck,,,, quacks like a duck 🦆,,, then ……………………………..
 
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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!!
 

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