New Tomato and Pepper Virus Detected in Kentucky

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV, tobamovirus) is a new virus that has been sporadically detected across the U.S. and in Kentucky. ToBRFV was first identified in Israel in 2014 and confirmed in the U.S. in 2018. It was first confirmed in Kentucky in 2022. The virus was eradicated in all U.S. cases. Nevertheless, ToBRFV has been confirmed in Canada, the Dominican Republic, France, Israel, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Spain. Imports of fruit or seeds from these countries require phytosanitary certificates or inspection certifications.

ToBRFV can cause severe losses to field and greenhouse tomato and pepper, and plants in the nightshade family, including petunia, may serve as reservoirs.

Symptoms

Symptoms include mosaic patterns on fruit and leaves. Leaf distortion and strapping known as “fern leaf,” as well as vein yellowing/chlorosis are common on foliage. Fruit symptoms include stunting, discoloration, and rough brown texture (known as rugose). Necrosis of the calyx, peduncle, and pedicel can lead to fruit drop. Symptoms may resemble other tobamoviruses such as tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and tomato mosaic virus (ToMV).

Transmission

ToBRFV is highly transmissible and easily spread by mechanical means, including tools, equipment, and handling, as well as by cuttings, grafts, and seeds. The virus can also survive in debris, soil, tools, and surfaces for years.

Management

Management of ToBRFV is difficult since the virus can survive for long periods outside of a host plant. Destruction of infected plant material is critical, followed by a strict sanitation program, including hand washing, tool disinfection, surface disinfestation, foot baths, and use of clean suits and gloves.

Close inspection of incoming plant material is important to prevent introduction into fields and greenhouses. If ToBRFV is suspected, contact your county Extension agent for assistance in submitting a sample to the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab. Quarantine the area and restrict movement until a diagnosis is confirmed. If ToBRFV is confirmed, your Extension agent and university specialist can assist you through the proper process for containment, including destroying contaminated plant material and disinfection of tools and surfaces.

Additional resources include:

- Strategies for Preventing Introduction and Spread of ToBRFV (see pg 20) (link)

- Managing Tobamoviruses in Greenhouse Production (PPFS-GH-08)

- Greenhouse Sanitation (PPFS-GH-04)

- APHIS Import FAQs (link)

- University of Kentucky County Directory (link)