ToBRFV (Tobamovirus fructirugosum) causes fruit discolouration, deformities and irregular maturation in affected fruit. It has been of global concern to the tomato industry since its discovery in 2015 in the Middle East.
ToBRFV affects tomatoes and capsicums, petunias and some other solanaceous plants. It could potentially enter New Zealand on imported tomatoes or tomato seeds.
In August 2024, Biosecurity New Zealand placed import restrictions on tomato seed and fresh tomato imports from Australia. This followed the detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus at two South Australian tomato growing properties.
TomatoesNZ and NZPPI have collaborated to develop biosecurity guidance for plant producers (below).