The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) continues to respond to the detection of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in the Northern Adelaide Plains.

Queensland and Western Australia (WA)

On 31 October 2024, Queensland introduced the same import requirements that have been in effect in WA since 24 October 2024.

To access the Queenland and WA markets, tomato, capsicum and chilli growers must prove their crop is ToBRFV free through an approved sampling method and certification process managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).

Both WA and Queensland require crops to be sampled no more than ten (10) days prior to harvest and return a ‘not detected’ result for ToBRFV. Each consignment must also be certified by a PIRSA Plant Health Inspector confirming it is ToBRFV free. The State Government will absorb the costs of any required sampling and testing that producers may need to undertake as part of this process to enable market access.

If you are planning to export your crop to WA or Queensland, please download and complete the intent request to export form (PDF or Word) and return it to PIRSA.TomatoMarketAccess@sa.gov.au.

A dedicated hotline – 1800 182 838 – has been set up for growers’ market access enquiries.

Find details on all state movement controls at pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv.

Additional state restrictions

Starting 1 October 2024, Tasmania implemented an emergency biosecurity direction, placing similar restrictions on the movement of tomato, capsicum, and chilli materials from South Australia. New South Wales also strengthened their  Control Order, requiring exporters of ToBRFV host plants to comply with strict monitoring requirements to ensure that plants are free from the virus. Plants identified as potential carriers will be subject to inspection upon entry.

These actions are precautionary measures to prevent the spread of ToBRFV.

Other restrictions in place:

• New Caledonia: Import suspension of tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies from Australia (since 6 September).

• New Zealand: Suspended the import of Australian tomatoes (from 24 August).

Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry is working with trading partners, including New Zealand, to minimize the impact on exports.

Plans are in place to eradicate the virus, which has been detected in four greenhouses across three South Australian properties. The greenhouses are enclosed, which aids in containing the disease and implementing effective control measures to eliminate the threat.

Industry and home gardeners: stay vigilant

Industry professionals and home gardeners are urged to be on the lookout for signs of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus. If you spot suspect plants, contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

Signs of the virus include:

• mosaic and mottled patterns, yellowing, discolouration and deformities on leaves

• fruit with yellow patches, marbling, brown wrinkled spots or uneven ripening.

For more information, download Plant Health Australia’s (PHA) ToBRFV factsheet.