APHIS Takes Additional Actions to Safeguard U.S. Agriculture Against Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working with State departments of agriculture and producers to conduct a tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) survey of U.S commercial greenhouses that produce tomatoes. APHIS and cooperators are also putting in place official control measures to further safeguard U.S. agriculture against this virus. This decision follows the confirmation of several isolated detections of ToBRFV in U.S. commercial greenhouses last winter.

ToBRFV can cause severe fruit loss in tomatoes and peppers. It is easily spread by contaminated tools and hands, and through plant-to-plant contact. Symptoms include mosaic patterns on plant leaves or fruit with brown or yellow spots.

APHIS urges U.S. tomato, eggplant, and pepper producers, the nursery transplant industry, and the seed industry to follow recommended sanitation practices to safeguard against the introduction of this virus into commercial greenhouses and report any signs of symptoms to their State plant regulatory official.

For more information about ToBRFV, please visit the APHIS website.