Cost of supermarket staple could rise if highly-contagious virus spreads
A devastating virus affecting tomato farms in South Australia and Victoria is threatening to raise the price of the popular fruit if it's not controlled, experts have warned.
The tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is harmless to humans but it can can affect 100 per cent of plants and cause crop losses of up to 70 per cent.
The highly contagious virus affects tomato, capsicum and chilli and poses a 'significant biosecurity risk' to Australia's vegetable industry, Queensland Biosecurity Ambassador Dr Kayvan Etebari told Yahoo News.
After being detected in South Australia five months ago, it spread to a tomato glasshouse in northern Victoria via a shipment of tomato seedlings earlier this month. One hundred workers were laid off this week, and quarantine measures have been put in place at the farm.
Etebari said biosecurity threats can have a huge socioeconomic impact.
'Pest and disease outbreaks can lead to job losses and reduced workforce demand, posing a significant risk to household economies,' he said.
And in a further hit to households, the virus could also increase the cost of tomatoes if it continues to spread.
'Since the virus spreads systemically, all parts of an infected plant can serve as a source of inoculum, posing a significant risk to healthy crops. This loss of plants can lead to a shortage of fresh produce in the market. As a fundamental economic principle, reduced supply often results in higher prices, impacting both consumers and the agricultural industry.'
ToBRFV first emerged in Israel in 2014 before spreading to Europe four years later. Since then, Turkey, the US and China have all had outbreaks.
It was first detected in South Australia in August 2024, and is believed to have been present in two seed lines imported from Turkey earlier in the year.
'This highlights the critical importance of biosecurity awareness when traveling internationally,' Etebari said. 'When returning from overseas, it is essential to carefully read and accurately answer the questions on the Incoming Passenger Card. Carrying plant material, seeds, or soil—even unintentionally—can introduce devastating plant viruses and pose a serious risk to Australia's agricultural industry and environment.'
In September last year, an estimated 500 workers lost their jobs when three tomato farms in South Australia were shut down because of the virus. Growers were forced to destroy thousands of plants and reportedly suffered more than $20m in losses.
The farm in Victoria has been placed under biosecurity control until further investigations are completed. Thankfully, the affected seedlings were kept in glasshouses away from other plants on the property.
South Australia's Department of Primary Industries said they are "confident" the virus is not spreading, despite the recent transmission to Victoria.
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Etebari encourages all Australians to help protect the country from exotic pests and diseases by regularly checking their gardens for both, and reporting anything suspicious to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
'Even if the suspected pest or disease turns out not to be exotic or a major concern, this simple practice helps safeguard our environment and agricultural industry,' he said. 'Early detection and reporting are crucial in preventing outbreaks and protecting Australia's biodiversity and food security.'
Fruits affected by ToBRFV will show yellow spotting or marbling, uneven ripening, deformation and wrinkled patches. Symptoms in leaves include yellowing, mottling or a mosaic pattern on the leaves, crumpling and deformation, and a blister-like appearance on the top surface of the leaves.
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