Australia’s tomato industry is facing a potential crisis after the recent detection of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) in tomatoes grown at three businesses in the Northern Adelaide Plains, South Australia. This virus has spread from overseas and represents the first confirmed case in Australia, triggering strict biosecurity responses across the country. Originally discovered in the Middle East, ToBRFV has spread globally, causing significant damage in Europe, North America, and other regions that rely heavily on tomato production.
The Threat of ToBRFV
ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies. It is particularly damaging to the solanaceous family of plants, leading to distorted fruits, reduced yields, and economic losses for growers. While the virus does not impact crops such as brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) or lettuce, its presence threatens a potential tomato shortage in Australia, given the country’s reliance on healthy tomato crops.
ToBRFV spreads through contaminated tools, hands, clothing, and direct plant-to-plant contact. It can also be seed-borne and transmitted through grafting, cuttings, and irrigation water, making it difficult to control once established.
State-Specific Actions to Prevent the Spread of ToBRFV
South Australia (SA) – The Epicentre
South Australia is at the centre of this outbreak, with confirmed cases in the Northern Adelaide Plains. The state has implemented strict quarantine measures on affected properties to prevent the virus from spreading further. These measures include tracing and isolating properties linked to infected sites, extensive testing, and stopping the movement of tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies from these locations. Infected properties are required to adhere to biosecurity protocols and undergo continued surveillance.
New South Wales (NSW) – Control Order in Effect
NSW has taken swift action to prevent the virus from entering the state. NSW remains free of ToBRFV, and to maintain this status, it has issued a Control Order preventing the movement of tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies from infested properties in South Australia. The Control Order also applies to properties linked to infected sites, requiring mandatory testing and surveillance. This stringent approach aims to protect the state’s agricultural sector and ensure that unlinked properties can continue to trade without restrictions.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria has ramped up surveillance and biosecurity measures to prevent ToBRFV from entering the state. While there have been no confirmed cases in VIC, the state's agricultural department is closely monitoring the situation in South Australia and implementing precautionary testing and surveillance on properties trading with infected sites.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland is conducting rigorous surveillance and awareness campaigns, advising all tomato, capsicum, and chilli producers to adhere to strict biosecurity measures. Farms are being encouraged to source virus-free seeds, monitor crops regularly, and comply with hygiene practices to minimize the risk of the virus spreading to the state.
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia, known for its stringent biosecurity measures, has implemented increased testing on plant material entering the state. WA has long been focused on protecting its agriculture sector from invasive pests and diseases, and this latest threat has triggered further restrictions on the movement of solanaceous plants into the state.
Tasmania
Although geographically isolated, Tasmania has not taken the threat lightly. The island state has strengthened its border controls, particularly focusing on plant material entering from mainland Australia. It has also ramped up biosecurity messaging to ensure producers and nurseries follow stringent hygiene practices.
Symptoms of ToBRFV
ToBRFV can cause several symptoms that resemble other viruses, making diagnostics essential for accurate identification. Affected plants may show the following:
- Leaves: Mosaic or mottling patterns, yellowing, or deformities.
- Fruits: Yellow patches, marbling, brown wrinkled spots, and uneven ripening.
Due to the similarity to other viral diseases, regular testing is crucial for producers to ensure early detection and containment of the virus.
Biosecurity Measures for Producers
To prevent the spread of ToBRFV, producers are advised to follow stringent biosecurity protocols:
- Sourcing virus-free seeds and seedlings from reliable suppliers.
- Regular crop monitoring for symptoms of the virus.
- Disinfecting tools and equipment with sodium hypochlorite (1% solution) to minimize contamination.
- Controlling weeds and removing volunteer or wild tomato, capsicum, and chilli plants, as these could act as reservoirs for the virus.
- Prohibiting outside fruit from entering properties, including packed lunches brought by workers or visitors, to reduce the risk of introducing the virus.
Table: ToBRFV Impact and State Actions
| State | Status of ToBRFV | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| South Australia (SA) | Confirmed outbreak | Quarantine of infected properties, testing, tracing linked properties, biosecurity protocols enforced. |
| New South Wales (NSW) | Virus-free | Control Order preventing movement of tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies from infected properties. |
| Victoria (VIC) | Virus-free | Increased surveillance and testing, precautionary measures on properties trading with SA. |
| Queensland (QLD) | Virus-free | Surveillance, biosecurity advisories, monitoring of solanaceous crops. |
| Western Australia (WA) | Virus-free | Strengthened border controls, testing on plant material, enhanced biosecurity messaging. |
| Tasmania | Virus-free | Heightened border control measures, biosecurity protocols for producers and nurseries. |
Origin of ToBRFV and Global Context
The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) was first identified in the Middle East and has since spread to Europe, North America, and now Australia. Its global spread highlights the difficulty of containing the virus due to its high transmissibility through seeds, tools, and plant-to-plant contact. ToBRFV has caused significant disruptions in global tomato production, and Australia is now at risk of facing similar challenges if the virus is not contained effectively.
What to Expect: Potential Tomato Shortages
As the virus spreads, Australia may face reduced availability of tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies, leading to increased prices. The restrictions on movement and necessary quarantines in South Australia could disrupt supply chains, making it harder for consumers to access these popular vegetables. Producers in states still free of the virus are on high alert, focusing on preventing the virus from entering their properties.
Conclusion
The detection of ToBRFV in South Australia is a serious threat to Australia's tomato and capsicum industries. With quarantine and control orders in place, states are taking strong steps to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus. However, the potential for a tomato shortage looms large if the virus continues to spread. The cooperation of producers, government agencies, and biosecurity officials will be critical in containing the virus and protecting Australia’s agricultural sector from further damage.
