First UK case of tomato virus

Tomato growers have been warned to be extra vigilant after symptoms of the devastating tomato brown rugose fruit virus (TOBRFV) have been reported for the first time in a UK tomato crop.

The authorities said that the affected glasshouse in England has taken the necessary steps to eradicate the virus and has destroyed the crop after the disease was confirmed and the outbreak has been reported to the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI).

TOBRFV has caused significant issues for growers of tomatoes across Europe and beyond, causing unmarketable fruit. The virus has the potential to spread rapidly by plant handling and cutting and also via bumblebees during pollination.

Dr Nikki Harrison, AHDB senior scientist and coordinator for the TOBRFV steering group, said: “Growers need to be vigilant and look out for symptoms and act promptly if they suspect infection.”

The most likely routes of infection of the disease are through seed, propagation material or contact through contaminated tools, hands and clothing. Tomato is the major host of the virus, but trials have indicated it could also infect sweet peppers.

Dr Phil Morley, technical officer for the Tomato Growers’ Association (TGA), said: “By reviewing the experience of growers elsewhere in the world who are managing the virus, gathering available information from experts and by coordinating through the TOBRFV Steering Group with the TGA we have been able to act quickly and inform growers.” Common symptoms include mosaic staining of the leaves, discoloured fruit with yellow spots, and deformation of fruits.