A third property in South Australia has confirmed the presence of the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), escalating concerns over the spread of this highly contagious virus within the region. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has linked this new detection to the initial cases through the movement of plant material. This development comes after the virus, first identified on August 19 at two properties in northern Adelaide, prompted domestic and international restrictions on South Australian tomato exports.
PIRSA is currently conducting extensive tracing to pinpoint the source of the infection, with three additional businesses under investigation for infected seeds. The department has collected over 2000 plant samples from more than 18 businesses, including 84 greenhouses, to assess the extent of the virus's spread. ToBRFV, which also affects capsicums and chillies, poses a threat to Australia's $5.8 billion vegetable industry by impacting the yield and marketability of these crops.
The virus's detection has led to import restrictions by Queensland, Western Australia, and New Zealand, with the latter suspending all Australian tomato imports as of August 30. New Zealand's Biosecurity has stated that the suspension will remain "until we have confidence in the distribution of the virus in Australia, confirmed by outcomes of the tracing and testing." Meanwhile, regulatory bodies in various states are evaluating the need for further measures to control the virus's spread, emphasizing the importance of actions that are scientifically based and proportional to the risk.
The spread of ToBRFV has raised alarms over the potential impact on South Australia's $150 million tomato industry, with concerns about significant disruptions and possible price hikes during the tomato season. Growers in the Northern Adelaide Plains region, where the virus was first detected, are particularly anxious about the future of their crops and the broader implications for the industry.