Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV)

About 

The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) is from the genus Tobamavirus. It was only recently discovered in 2014, but has since spread outside of where it was originally discovered in Israel. It has been known to devastate crops, making them unmarketable. 

Biology 

ToBRFV is mainly found on crops grown in controlled environments like greenhouses. The virus is known to be fast spreading through mechanical transmission.  

When tools, clippings, or seedlings that are infected with the virus come into contact with a healthy crop, the virus pierces the cell walls of the fruit and reproduces rapidly, causing the fruit to die. 

There is currently no cultivar that is resistant to the pathogen, and there is no treatment, meaning growers are asked to burn the crop and any adjacent crops nearby that are infected with the virus. Several plant breeders have announced plans to develop and release ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties.  

Preferred Hosts 

ToBRFV is common on tomato and pepper crops. 

What to Look Out For 

Watch for aborted fruit or fruit that has brown or black spotting.  

If the leaves are infected, you may see some mosaic patterns or pale patches on them. Leaves may also be narrowed and may crumble and distort. 

Economic Impact 

The virus was discovered in Israel and Jordan in 2014. Since then, it has spread to Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Middle East.  

The virus was detected and eradicated from a California tomato greenhouse in 2018. In fall 2019, plant inspectors in Florida intercepted the ToBRFV tobamovirus from packaged Mexican tomatoes in two separate locations. 

The USDA has put restrictions in place on crop imports coming from infected areas. It has also put in place recommendations for growers to keep up good hygiene practices at their facilities, such as washing hands and cleaning tools.