Australia: DAFF bans seed imports from Turkey amid ongoing tomato virus tracing in SA

Imported seeds are almost certainly how tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) entered Australia, with Turkey in particular being in the federal government's sights. There is also the possibility of rogue seeds being sent to other states. South Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) tracing has confirmed seeds as the focus of an investigation into how the crop disease got into the country. "PIRSA's seed tracing investigations have led to a positive result for ToBRFV in two seed lines which were imported into Australia in late May 2024 with appropriate offshore testing certification, including negative results for ToBRFV," the PIRSA updates website said. "These seed lines have tracing links to two of the infected properties and current tracing information indicates they were first planted in July 2024." PIRSA said it is working closely with affected businesses to minimise cross-contamination. "PIRSA is in contact with the properties to seek further ...