Home ​​​​>​​​​ Knowledge Center​​​​

Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV)

ToBRFV belongs to the genus of the Tobamoviruses which also includes tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The virus spreads through people and tools, but also through bumblebees, birds and infected fruits. While most of the tomato varieties have built up resistance against Tobamoviruses (such as TMV and ToMV), research has shown that the virus breaks through the resistance (Tm-2 and TM-2 2(superscript)) that most tomato varieties have against Tobamoviruses.
Tomatoes
Jasper Verhoeven
Specialist Hygiene & Disinfection  | January 12, 2023 | 4 min reading time

Which crops are susceptible to the virus? 

Capsicum species, such as (hot) peppers, have components that the virus needs to grow (propagate). So far it is not known whether pepper varieties are resistant to ToBRFV. Resistant varieties are not affected by the virus. According to the literature, in a limited number of non-commercial paprika varieties, the Tobamo resistances can be broken under certain circumstances.

Recognize ToBRFV

The virus is mainly recognized by the mosaic pattern it leaves, in the head and shoots, on the youngest leaves and on the fruit of the tomato plant. The fruit get dots and yellow spots or there is deformation of the fruit and the leaf. It can also happen that the fruit turns in brown spots and necrotic stripes appear on the stem and that stems and sepals dry out. In some cases you can see narrowed leaves.

A big risk with this virus is that the damage symptoms of ToBRFV resembles the image of Pepino mosaic and no measures are taken. This could lead to major damage; the virus spreads easily through the crop, productivity decreases and the fruit is no longer suitable for sale.

How long can the virus survive?

It is said that the virus can survive for a long time in water, seeds, soil, material and plant material. How long ToBRFV can survive is not known.

Can you demonstrate the presence of the virus? 

It can be demonstrated whether a virus is present in the seed by using the international validated ISHI (International Seed Health Initiative) measurement method. When pre-screening with ELISA, it is important that the correct antibody is used. This can be done at various laboratories and research institutes. 

ToBRFV prevention

Because ToBRFV is easily spread mechanically, a strict hygiene plan is of great importance. The general hygiene within the company must be taken into account, so that contamination of the virus is prevented, and the spread by people and materials are limited. Also make sure that everyone who visits the company - both employees and other visitors - are aware of the hygiene measures and ensure strict compliance.

Every company will also have to make a thorough inventory of the incoming flows and the dangers of these flows. Think of several growers who work together with the same crates, for example in producer organizations. In this case, working with special harvest barrels and other barrels in which the product is disposed of is a good option. 

Treatment and control ToBRFV

Treating & the control of ToBRFV is not possible. It requires a disinfectant which meets the criteria of a crop protection product. Products that are not authorized may cause damage or will not ensure the result desired. Therefore, when an outbreak of the virus occurs, the removal and destruction of the infected plants will have to be carried out immediately. Therefore, focus on prevention for 100%! However, there is a possibility to reduce the chance of the virus occurring in your crop and to prevent it from spreading.

Measures before entering the greenhouse:

  • Clean hands with disinfecting soap and then disinfect the dry hands again.
  • Install a hygiene station to disinfect hands and footwear.
  • Place disinfection mats where personnel and transport have to pass before entering the greenhouse.
  • Before re-entering the greenhouse, after a break, visiting the sanitary facilities, smoking, etc., disinfect and clean the hands again.
  • Let visitors wear gloves, overlays and hairnets everywhere.
  • Provide clean work clothing for staff.

Measures that can be taken in the greenhouse:

  • Disinfect the knives and scissors after each row of crops.
  • Disinfect hands while working.
  • Disinfect trolleys, spray trolleys and all moving equipment that comes into contact with the crop.
  • Clean and disinfect the entire greenhouse during the crop rotation. Tobamoviruses, including the ToBRFV, can survive for a long time, both on organic and non-organic material. See the protocol disinfection for tomato for an overview of all the measures you should take during the crop rotation.

HortiHygienz

The total solution for hygiene issues in horticulture

We believe that growers worldwide can maximize the yield of their crops with optimum hygiene. HortiHygienz can be used worldwide as a total solution for operational hygiene. Whatever the question or challenge in the area of operational hygiene, HortiHygienz has the solution for you!
Contact form
Can’t find your answer? Fill out the contact form and Jasper Verhoeven will reach out to you. On week days, you will receive a response within 24 hours. 

Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV)

ToBRFV belongs to the genus of the Tobamoviruses which also includes tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The virus spreads through people and tools, but also through bumblebees, birds and infected fruits. While most of the tomato varieties have built up resistance against Tobamoviruses (such as TMV and ToMV), research has shown that the virus breaks through the resistance (Tm-2 and TM-2 2(superscript)) that most tomato varieties have against Tobamoviruses.
Search in the Knowledge Center
Find answers to your question in our Knowledge Center. 600+ articles, written by our specialists.
Jasper Verhoeven
Jasper Verhoeven
Specialist Hygiene & Disinfection  | January 12, 2023 | 4 min reading time
Share this article
Tomatoes
Topics in this article

Which crops are susceptible to the virus? 

Capsicum species, such as (hot) peppers, have components that the virus needs to grow (propagate). So far it is not known whether pepper varieties are resistant to ToBRFV. Resistant varieties are not affected by the virus. According to the literature, in a limited number of non-commercial paprika varieties, the Tobamo resistances can be broken under certain circumstances.

Recognize ToBRFV

The virus is mainly recognized by the mosaic pattern it leaves, in the head and shoots, on the youngest leaves and on the fruit of the tomato plant. The fruit get dots and yellow spots or there is deformation of the fruit and the leaf. It can also happen that the fruit turns in brown spots and necrotic stripes appear on the stem and that stems and sepals dry out. In some cases you can see narrowed leaves.

A big risk with this virus is that the damage symptoms of ToBRFV resembles the image of Pepino mosaic and no measures are taken. This could lead to major damage; the virus spreads easily through the crop, productivity decreases and the fruit is no longer suitable for sale.

How long can the virus survive?

It is said that the virus can survive for a long time in water, seeds, soil, material and plant material. How long ToBRFV can survive is not known.

Can you demonstrate the presence of the virus? 

It can be demonstrated whether a virus is present in the seed by using the international validated ISHI (International Seed Health Initiative) measurement method. When pre-screening with ELISA, it is important that the correct antibody is used. This can be done at various laboratories and research institutes.

ToBRFV prevention

Because ToBRFV is easily spread mechanically, a strict hygiene plan is of great importance. The general hygiene within the company must be taken into account, so that contamination of the virus is prevented, and the spread by people and materials are limited. Also make sure that everyone who visits the company - both employees and other visitors - are aware of the hygiene measures and ensure strict compliance.

Every company will also have to make a thorough inventory of the incoming flows and the dangers of these flows. Think of several growers who work together with the same crates, for example in producer organizations. In this case, working with special harvest barrels and other barrels in which the product is disposed of is a good option.

Treatment and control ToBRFV

Treating & the control of ToBRFV is not possible. It requires a disinfectant which meets the criteria of a crop protection product. Products that are not authorized may cause damage or will not ensure the result desired. Therefore, when an outbreak of the virus occurs, the removal and destruction of the infected plants will have to be carried out immediately. Therefore, focus on prevention for 100%! However, there is a possibility to reduce the chance of the virus occurring in your crop and to prevent it from spreading.

Measures before entering the greenhouse:

  • Clean hands with disinfecting soap and then disinfect the dry hands again.
  • Install a hygiene station to disinfect hands and footwear.
  • Place disinfection mats where personnel and transport have to pass before entering the greenhouse.
  • Before re-entering the greenhouse, after a break, visiting the sanitary facilities, smoking, etc., disinfect and clean the hands again.
  • Let visitors wear gloves, overlays and hairnets everywhere.
  • Provide clean work clothing for staff.

Measures that can be taken in the greenhouse:

  • Disinfect the knives and scissors after each row of crops.
  • Disinfect hands while working.
  • Disinfect trolleys, spray trolleys and all moving equipment that comes into contact with the crop.
  • Clean and disinfect the entire greenhouse during the crop rotation. Tobamoviruses, including the ToBRFV, can survive for a long time, both on organic and non-organic material. See the protocol disinfection for tomato for an overview of all the measures you should take during the crop rotation.

HortiHygienz

The total solution for hygiene issues in horticulture

We believe that growers worldwide can maximize the yield of their crops with optimum hygiene. HortiHygienz can be used worldwide as a total solution for operational hygiene. Whatever the question or challenge in the area of operational hygiene, HortiHygienz has the solution for you!
Contact form
Can’t find your answer? Fill out the contact form and Jasper Verhoeven will reach out to you. On week days, you will receive a response within 24 hours. 
Jasper Verhoeven
Also interesting for you
Why is working hygienically important?
Although disinfecting of the greenhouse will prevent undesired diseases and pests, it is important to also consider possible diseases spread by people, machines and tools.

Common Tomato Diseases in Greenhouses
Tomato growers face considerable difficulties due to greenhouse tomato diseases. They cause damage to plants and fruits, reducing their value or completely disqualifying them from sale.
Tips for hand disinfection in horticulture
The importance of hand disinfection is recognized more and more. With this you minimize the chance of diseases and pests entering or spreading through people. You can never take chances concerning hygiene.