Eradication of tomato brown rugose fruit virus not feasible

On 29 May 2025, the National Management Group (NMG) for emergency plant pest responses agreed that it is no longer technically feasible to eradicate ToBRFV from Australia.

AUSVEG, as the industry representative on the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed on behalf of growers, has been actively involved in the Consultative Committee for Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) and NMG discussions for the best outcomes for growers and industries affected by ToBRFV.

We are committed to representing grower interests and will continue to provide updates as this transition to management progresses. We understand this news presents ongoing challenges, and are working to support the industry in adapting to manage ToBRFV effectively.

This decision was based on a comprehensive assessment of various factors, including:

• Evidence of repeated introductions of ToBRFV via the seed pathway and the challenges in identifying all potential sites of infection.
• The acceptance of the ongoing eradication program by stakeholders and the community.
• The virus’s ability to establish, spread, and persist in the environment, highlighted by new detections in areas previously subject to decontamination efforts.
• Difficulties in detecting ToBRFV at the low levels required for eradication, particularly in seeds and young seedlings, which is compounded by the industry’s need to move seedlings at a young age.
• Uncertainty regarding the complete efficacy of current control methods in eliminating the virus from infected sites.

Moving Forward: Transition to Long-Term Management

The national response will now enter an interim planning phase. This phase will involve collaboration between affected industries, government parties, and other relevant stakeholders to determine the most effective long-term management strategy and trade protocols for ToBRFV.

The CCEPP will meet to develop urgent advice for the NMG on how best to prepare and equip the industry to manage and mitigate the impacts of ToBRFV. This may include the development of a formal Transition to Management (TtM) plan, similar to that implemented for Varroa Mite under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), to support industry in building necessary knowledge and capabilities.

During this interim period:

• Biosecurity conditions will remain in place on currently infected properties to prevent further spread.
• The primary focus will be on optimising production and trade for impacted businesses and the broader industry.

The South Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and Agriculture Victoria will continue to work with property owners and industry through the next stages of the response. More information on current activities, including movement controls is available at www.pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv and agriculture.vic.gov.au.

The NMG acknowledged the impact that ToBRFV has had on fresh tomato growers, production nurseries and wider industry and recognised the substantial efforts by the impacted growers, PIRSA, and Agriculture Victoria in response efforts to date.

Background on ToBRFV Detections in Australia ToBRFV was first confirmed in Australia in August 2024 on commercial tomato production sites in South Australia. Subsequent detections occurred:

• January 2025: In a Victorian tomato production facility, linked to seedlings from an affected SA business.
• March 2025: On a South Australian property adjacent to an existing infected site, managed by the same business.
• May 2025: Critically, ToBRFV was detected in Victoria in seedlings supplied by a commercial NSW nursery. This NSW nursery had no known links to previous infected sites and subsequently tested negative for ToBRFV. Further seedlings from the same NSW nursery, from the same seed line, also tested positive in Victoria later in May. These unlinked detections have been a significant factor in the NMG’s decision.

The National Response Plan, endorsed in November 2024 to eradicate ToBRFV, has now been paused while a long-term management strategy is developed.

Tracing Investigations & Seed Pathway Concerns Investigations have identified ToBRFV in four seed lines imported from Türkiye and one from Israel, despite these consignments having offshore testing certification indicating negative results.

• DAFF has suspended the acceptance of seed testing certification from Türkiye laboratories as a precautionary measure.
• DAFF is actively investigating the Israeli seed line with Israeli authorities and the offshore laboratory. These findings underscore the significant challenge posed by the international seed pathway.

About Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV)

• Impact: A highly contagious virus affecting tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies. Symptoms include mosaic patterns on leaves, and brown, wrinkled spots on fruit, reducing yield and marketability. It poses a considerable threat to Australia’s $5.7 billion vegetable industry and $2.6 billion plant nursery industry.
• Human Health: No known effects on human health.
• Spread: Spreads easily via contaminated tools, hands, clothing, plant-to-plant contact, seeds, and irrigation water. It can persist in seed, plant waste, and soil for months.
• Hosts: Besides tomatoes, capsicums and chillies, certain weeds (e.g., blackberry nightshade, fat hen) can host the virus. Potatoes are not known hosts.

Advice for Producers – Protect Your Property Vigilance and strong on-farm biosecurity are now more critical than ever. Producers are urged to:

• Source wisely: Obtain seed, seedlings, and graft material from reputable suppliers who can provide assurances of virus freedom.
• Test: Consider testing a proportion of seed and seedlings for ToBRFV.
• Monitor crops: Regularly inspect for any symptoms of the virus.
• Implement strict hygiene: Ensure all staff and visitors comply with on-farm biosecurity and hygiene practices.
• Disinfect: Regularly disinfect tools, propagating material, and equipment (e.g., with a 1% sodium hypochlorite solution – 1 part pool chlorine [12% concentrate] to 10 parts water).
• Remove volunteers: Eliminate self-seeded tomato plants and other potential host weeds.
• Seek assurance: Contact seed suppliers regarding specific ToBRFV testing applied to seed lines.

Advice for Home Gardeners

• Monitor: Check plants regularly for unusual signs of disease.
• Report: Report anything unusual immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881.
• Source carefully: Purchase local seed and seedlings from reliable suppliers.

Movement Controls and Market Access

• State and territory governments manage domestic biosecurity and may adjust import conditions. Some jurisdictions have restrictions on host material from South Australia. Check current requirements at outbreak.gov.au.
• DAFF is working with trading partners regarding export markets. New Zealand is assessing a submission to reinstate trade in fresh tomatoes from Queensland. New Caledonia has lifted its ban with revised import conditions.

Biosecurity Reporting and Information

• Report suspected detections: Exotic Plant Pest Hotline – 1800 084 881.
• Further information:
  • outbreak.gov.au
  • pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv
• Import Conditions: DAFF is reviewing policies for tomato and capsicum seed testing. See Import Industry Advice Notices at agriculture.gov.au.

Advice for Exporters For concerns about exporting host commodities, contact DAFF at horticultureexports@aff.gov.au.