On 30 September 2024, the Queensland Government issued an updated Movement Control Order (MCO) to further protect its tomato, capsicum, and chilli industries against Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). This order restricts the movement of high-risk produce, including tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies, from South Australia into Queensland, unless biosecurity testing and permit conditions are met. Additionally, all packaging and containers must be new or meet stringent cleaning and sanitising requirements.

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).

• Western Australia: Quarantine measures on tomato, capsicum, and chilli imports from South Australia and other affected areas.

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.