In the canton of Thurgau, the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (Jordan virus) was detected on tomatoes. This plant disease affects tomato and pepper plants, among others, and can lead to yield losses of 100 percent. Currently, the Jordan virus can only be controlled through eradication measures. The Cantonal Plant Protection Service at Arenenberg has taken control measures together with the Thurgau Agricultural Office, representatives of the Federal Office for Agriculture and Agroscope. This plant disease is harmless to humans.
The Jordan virus attacks tomatoes and peppers, having broken through resistance breeding to this group of viruses. Since 2014, the virus has been present in Israel - hence the name after the Jordan River - where it has spread to virtually all tomato-growing areas in a short time without quarantine measures. Worldwide, there were 45 outbreaks in 2020.
In Switzerland, this plant disease is classified as a potential quarantine organism that can be introduced into Switzerland from outside. It is monitored by the cantonal phytosanitary services and must be controlled. In addition, tomato and pepper producing companies are obliged to report suspected cases. This also happened in the canton of Thurgau. Based on a suspicious case report in July, the infection with Jordan virus was detected in tomato plants on one farm.
The Cantonal Plant Protection Service at Arenenberg, together with the Thurgau Agricultural Office, representatives of the Federal Office for Agriculture and the Agroscope Federal Research Station, took control and further monitoring measures. The aim is to prevent the virus from spreading further. Jordan virus is a pure plant disease, like many others. It primarily affects tomato and pepper plants.
Source: www.tg.ch
