Biosecurity Advisory 35/2024 - Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus in South Australia

South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) continues to respond to a detection of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). The virus has been detected on three properties in the Northern Adelaide Plains region and response activities are underway, with samples for testing taken from other properties identified through tracing. 

PIRSA is working closely with the affected businesses to manage the outbreak and has implemented movement controls and quarantine measures with the infected properties to manage the risk of the virus spreading and minimise cross contamination.

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ToBRFV has not been detected in any other jurisdiction outside of South Australia, including Tasmania. Biosecurity Tasmania is working with PIRSA and other interstate biosecurity agencies to trace any seeds or plant material from the properties that may have moved interstate.

ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, capsicums and chillies. It was first detected in the Middle East in 2015 and has since been reported in Europe, China, Mexico and the USA. The detections in South Australia are the first time that the virus has been confirmed in Australia. 

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Infected plants show symptoms such as mosaic patterns, yellowing and deformities on leaves, while fruits develop brown wrinkled spots, deformations and uneven ripening. These symptoms result in reduced yield and marketability. 

The virus has no known effects on human health.

To further protect Tasmanian industries and home gardens, Biosecurity Tasmania’s Chief Plant Protection Officer has put in place an emergency biosecurity direction to prevent the movement of ToBRFV host plants or plant materials from areas known to be infected with the virus. 

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This emergency biosecurity direction is in addition to the movement controls that PIRSA has already put in place at infected properties in South Australia. The emergency biosecurity direction can be viewed at www.nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/the-tasmanian-biosecurity-compendium/general-biosecurity-directions 

As Tasmanians start planning to plant or sow tomato plants or seedlings, we encourage all gardeners to be regularly looking for unusual pests or disease in your garden and continue to source quality seed or seedlings from reputable suppliers and nurseries. These actions will support you in protecting your property and garden from exotic diseases, as well as Tasmania’s many primary producers. 

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Report anything unusual immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or contact us at biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au 

For further information about the detections in South Australia visit www.outbreak.gov.au