Australia: Geography could save processing tomato sector against tomato virus

GROWERS in the processing tomato sector are putting their faith in the biosecurity efforts of South Australian officials as they cautiously watch the handling of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). The virus has now been detected on four properties with more than 2500 plant samples taken for testing from 18 businesses. New South Wales is the latest state to tighten its cross-border tomato traffic with the state government issuing a Control Order to restrict high risk produce from entering including tomatoes, capsicums and chillies, from infested properties in SA. This follows Queensland and Western Australia which had bans already in place, as well as New Zealand and New Caledonia. The South Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is continuing its response activities including surveillance and tracing to determine the possible spread of the virus. PIRSA is also working with affected businesses to minimise cross-contamination and to determine the ...