Tomato disease halts New Zealand exports to six countries

Pepino mosaci virus (PepMV) - which can affect the yield of plants and delay fruit growth - was found in an Auckland greenhouse in April and has spread to three other commercial sites. The virus, which is found in China, parts of Europe and the Americas, is highly contagious and can be spread on crates, tools, clothing, and by bumble bees. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has notified Australia, Japan, Thailand, Fiji, Tonga, and New Caledonia about the disease affecting New Zealand tomatoes, because these countries consider PepMV a quarantine risk. MPI had temporarily suspended export certification to these markets, the ministry's response controller David Yard said. Tomatoes can still be exported to countries which do not consider PepMV a quarantine concern. "While PepMV can affect tomato production, it does not present any food safety concern or risk to people. "New Zealand grown tomatoes are perfectly safe to eat," Yard said. PepMV appears to have minor effects on the ...