Tomato brown rugose fruit virus
Mosaic and mottling patterns of ToBRFV on a tomato leaf
© Photo courtesy of Luria et al., Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0170429
Necrotic spots of ToBRFV on a tomato plant
© Photo courtesy of Luria et al., Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0170429
ToBRFV on fruit
© Photo courtesy of Diana Godinez, EPPO Global Database
ToBRFV on mature fruit
© Photo courtesy of Aviv Dombrovsky, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center
Symptoms of ToBRFV on capsicum fruits and leaves
© Photo courtesy of Raed Alkowni, EPPO Global Database
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is a plant disease that affects tomato, capsicum and chilli. It does not pose any risk to human health.
ToBRFV causes yellow and brown spots to appear on fruit, making it unmarketable.
Leaves of plants infected with ToBRFV show yellowing, mosaic patterns, mottling and occasionally leaf narrowing.
It is regarded as a considerable threat to Australia's vegetable industry.
Description
Symptoms
The virus causes brown or yellow spots to appear on host leaves, fruit and stems. Fruit infected with ToBRFV can be deformed or ripen irregularly.
Tomato
Leaves have:
- discolouration
- mosaic and mottling patterns
- reduced size.
Fruit have:
- yellowing or brown areas
- wrinkled (rugose) skin.
Capsicum
Leaves have:
- deformation
- yellowing
- mosaic patterns.
Fruit have:
- deformation
- areas of yellow, brown or green stripes or blotches.
May be confused with
Symptoms on fruit could be confused with tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV).
Distribution
ToBRFV was first reported in 2014 on tomatoes in Israel. It has since been reported in Europe, the Middle East, China, Mexico and the USA (California).
The international distribution of ToBRFV has been attributed to the global movement of seed.
ToBRFV was detected in South Australia in August 2024. This was the first detection of ToBRFV in Australia.
Hosts
Affects tomato, capsicum and chilli.
Life cycle
The life cycle of ToBRFV is dependent on the living plant host. Following infection, the virus hijacks the cells of the host plant and uses them to replicate.
Impacts
ToBRFV could significantly impact Australia's vegetable industry. It could lead to considerable economic losses due to reduced yield and quality of produce.
Home gardeners may also be affected because tomato, capsicum and chilli are common backyard plants.
Human health is not affected by infected plants or fruit.
How it is spread
ToBRFV is easily spread by the movement of:
- plants
- seeds
- contaminated farm tools, clothing or equipment.
The virus can survive for months in:
- seeds
- plant debris
- contaminated soil.
Insects could spread the virus if it established in Australia.
Monitoring and action
Practice safe biosecurity measures and report anything suspicious in your plants, crops or fruit immediately to ensure early detection.
If you see symptoms that resemble ToBRFV infection, you must report it online or contact us online, by phone or in person.
Prevention
Control
Contact us online, by phone or in person if you find a plant you suspect may have ToBRFV to seek advice on control options.
Legal requirements
ToBRFV is a prohibited matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
If you suspect a plant has ToBRFV, you must immediately report it online or contact us online, by phone or in person.
If you think you have found ToBRFV, you must take all reasonable and practical steps under your control to minimise any associated risks or spread of the disease. This is called your general biosecurity obligation (GBO). Do not touch or move infected plant material – this could spread the disease further.
Further information
- Australian Government's emergency measures for tomato and capsicum seed.
- Import conditions for tomato and capsicum seed at Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON).
- Last reviewed: 22 Aug 2024
- Last updated: 22 Aug 2024