First report of tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Lithuania
The NPPO of Lithuania recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the occurrence of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tobamovirus, ToBRFV – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. ToBRFV was first detected in May 2024 in Alytus region as part of an official survey. The virus was detected in a greenhouse (220 m²) where 500 plants of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) had been grown from seeds that had been purchased at the beginning of 2023. Phytosanitary measures according to EU Regulation 2023/1032 are being applied: the greenhouse where the infested tomato plants were grown is a demarcated area, where tomato plants are only allowed to be grown for fruit production, and where measures are taken to prevent ToBRFV from spreading from the greenhouse to the environment during the cropping period. After harvest, the tomato plants should be destroyed, and the greenhouse and associated equipment disinfected. Only plants that are not host of ToBRFV will then be allowed to be grown for 2 years in the demarcated area.
The pest status of tomato brown rugose fruit virus in Lithuania is officially declared as follows: Present, at low prevalence, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Lithuania (2024-05).
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1032 of 25 May 2023 establishing measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Union territory of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1191, OJ L 139. http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2023/1032/oj