Left: Symptoms of ToBRFV on a tomato leaf. Credit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Right: Tobamovirus virions from tomato plants. Credit: Robert Alvarez-Quinto
Background
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is an emerging tobamovirus, considered one of the most serious threats to tomato production in the world. ToBRFV is highly infectious, federally regulated, and transmitted by mechanical contact and seeds. ToBRFV has successfully spread to 37 countries, causing yield losses of up to 70%. In 2023 and 2024, ToBRFV was detected in Minnesota. All infected plants were destroyed, and the appropriate steps were taken to eradicate the virus.
Research questions
- What alternative host species can serve as inoculum sources and overwinter hosts in Minnesota?
- What are additional pathways for virus transmission through water and soil under controlled conditions?
- What are effective methods for virus disinfection?
Practical implications
Researchers will expand recently established protocols for the detection, confirmation, and management of the virus. Findings from this study will be shared with stakeholders, diagnostics laboratories, and regulatory agencies in Minnesota and the US.
Findings
This project began in April 2025 and is in progress for the next several years. Please check back at a later time for updates.
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