NSW Government Issues Control Order to Protect Horticulture from Devastating Virus
By Ian Roberts
In a decisive move to safeguard New South Wales’ lucrative tomato, capsicum, and chilli industries, the Minns Labor Government has issued a Control Order aimed at reducing the risk of the highly contagious tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) from entering the state. The virus, confirmed for the first time in Australia in August 2024 in tomato crops near Adelaide, poses a significant threat to the nation’s $5.8 billion vegetable and $2.8 billion plant nursery industries.
Though NSW remains free of the virus, the Control Order restricts the import of high-risk produce—such as tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies—from affected properties in South Australia, where the outbreak was first detected. Additionally, restrictions will apply to properties linked to the infested sites to prevent the virus from spreading beyond its current containment.
Efforts to Eradicate the Virus
The tomato brown rugose virus has thus far been found in four greenhouses on three South Australian properties. These greenhouses are enclosed, aiding containment efforts and control measures as authorities work to eliminate the virus. The enclosed nature of the greenhouses has been pivotal in preventing further spread of the virus.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is collaborating with industry stakeholders, international experts, and authorities from other states and territories to maintain NSW’s disease-free status. Extensive surveillance is ongoing, not only in NSW but also in South Australia and other regions, as the country takes measures to halt the virus in its tracks.
Potential Threat to Australia’s Agriculture
ToBRFV, first discovered internationally in 2014, is notorious for being a highly infectious plant virus. It severely affects crops, causing visible damage to leaves and fruit, which can render produce unmarketable. While the virus does not affect human health or food safety, it can devastate crops, leading to significant economic losses for growers.
Symptoms of the virus include mosaic and mottled patterns on leaves, yellowing and deformities, and fruit with brown wrinkled spots, marbling, or uneven ripening. These symptoms, however, are not unique to ToBRFV, and laboratory testing is required to confirm the presence of the virus.
Biosecurity Measures and Industry Vigilance
The NSW Government’s Control Order is part of its broader biosecurity strategy to protect the state’s $115 million tomato, capsicum, and chilli industries. NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, underscored the importance of swift action, stating that biosecurity is a top priority for the state government.
“The NSW Control Order is in place to protect our state from the disease and ensure that the industry can continue to trade safely in fresh produce, seedlings, and seeds,” Minister Moriarty said. She added, “We must remain vigilant. If biosecurity issues arise in other states, we need to act swiftly and decisively to protect our industries.”
Minister Moriarty encouraged all growers—both commercial and home gardeners—to remain vigilant and report any suspect plants to the authorities. Early detection will be key in preventing any further spread of the virus. She emphasised that while the virus poses no risk to food safety or human health, it could cause severe damage to crops if not contained.
Growers are urged to inspect their crops for signs of infection, including discoloured or deformed leaves and fruit, and report any concerns to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline at 1800 084 881. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has also made further information available on its website to assist growers in identifying and managing potential outbreaks.