Tomato brown rugose fruit virus

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is currently not known to be present in the ACT. The Territory remains completely free of the virus, with detections limited to certain properties in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

About the disease

ToBRFV is classified as a National Priority Plant Pest (NPPP) and represents a significant biosecurity risk to Australia’s vegetable industry. ToBRFV primarily attacks tomatoes, capsicums and chillies.

Why it is a problem

ToBRFV causes severe losses by damaging the leaves, stems and fruit of infected plants. It causes severe leaf mottling and deforms fruit with yellow or brown wrinkled spots, rendering up to 75% of a crop unmarketable.

What to look for

ToBRFV causes distinct symptoms in different parts of the plant.

• In tomatoes, older leaves typically show dark green blistering, while younger leaves display yellow mottling and deformation.
• The virus also affects the fruit, leading to yellow/green discoloration that extends internally.
• In capsicum, common symptoms include blistering and corrugated fruit surfaces, along with yellow mosaic patterns and deformed fruit.

How it spreads

ToBRFV spreads aggressively through direct plant contact, tools, hands and clothing.

It can survive for months on surfaces, in soil and in plant debris.

Report sightings