New South Wales authorities are investigating the source of the tomato brown rugose fruit virus outbreak detected again in Victoria, following earlier incidents in South Australia. The virus re-emerged in a northern Victorian glasshouse, previously affected in January.
Routine seedling testing at Katunga Fresh, still under quarantine, identified the virus in imports from a commercial New South Wales nursery, despite NSW having no past association with the pathogen. This highly contagious virus deforms and discolors tomato, capsicum, and chili plants. Although not dangerous to humans, it threatens economic returns with potential yield losses reaching 70%.
Australia remained unaffected by this virus until its August appearance on three farms in South Australia's North Adelaide Plains. These properties entered quarantine, leading to crop destruction and job losses, while some states banned South Australian tomatoes. Despite these measures, unauthorized infected seedlings reached northern Victoria, sparking the local outbreak.
Victoria accounts for about 70% of the national processing tomato output. Recent investigations by Agriculture Victoria identified the new viral presence, tracing infected seedlings to a New South Wales nursery. Victoria's Chief Plant Health Officer, Dr. Stephen Dibley, confirmed ongoing tracing efforts. He stated, "We're continuing to do our investigations on where potentially this virus has come from."
A NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokesperson indicated that the nursery under scrutiny was not linked to previously infected businesses in South Australia or Victoria. Though initially quarantined, subsequent tests found no virus presence, allowing the quarantine to be lifted once negative diagnostics were confirmed.
Greenlife Industry Australia, representing nurseries nationwide, is consulting with authorities on managing outbreak ramifications. Biosecurity director John McDonald mentioned possible new outbreak scenarios requiring further examination. According to McDonald, "The consultative committee is meeting and is discussing the new detection in NSW, and DPIRD is actively doing its investigations and tracing."
Katunga Fresh continues under control measures, with no virus spread detected elsewhere in Victoria. The South Australian outbreak remains restricted to three properties under biosecurity control.
Source: ABC News
