Six Tips for Greenhouse Hygiene to Prevent the Spread of ToBRFV
Greenhouse hygiene has never been more important for Australian producers, since the detection of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus in 2024. Supporting a whole-of-industry response to ToBRFV, best-practice greenhouse hygiene reduces the risk of transmission, supports timely response efforts, and minimises economic losses. It is crucial we remain diligent when it comes to the movement of tomato plant and fruit material, since infected material is easily transmitted.
The highly-transmittable nature of this virus requires a strict greenhouse hygiene routine, as ToBRFV can easily move between greenhouses on plants, tools, clothes, footwear, and accessories. This includes:
Recognise signs of ToBRFV
Symptoms of this global disease on leaves include wrinkling and bubbling as a mosaic pattern, according to Michigan State University. Growers may also see a browning calyx and a rough surface on fruit. Fruit may die or appear pale with brown necrotic spots. ToBRFV can affect tomato plants early in the season, stunting its growth and fruit development. Plants may also be infected later, when the fruit turns red.
Clean between seasons as early as possible
If possible, it is ideal to deep clean and complete greenhouse sanitisation between growing seasons when the greenhouse is empty, says University of Massachusetts Amherst. It’s best for this to occur as early as possible to eliminate the potential for diseases and pests to overwinter. Completely remove weeds, debris, and soil and disinfect the greenhouse working from top to bottom.
Limit movement between multiple greenhouses
Plants should not be moved between greenhouses, as ToBRFV may be asymptomatic. In general, it’s advised that growers limit the number of greenhouses they move between each day. It is best to avoid moving to a greenhouse with young plants after visiting an area with older cultivation. If movement from an infected area to another greenhouse is necessary, growers should change their clothing and shoes and disinfect before entering the uninfected area.
Thoroughly sanitise hands and accessories
Before entering a greenhouse, it’s vital to disinfect hands and accessories like sunglasses, gloves, watches, and jewellery. In fact, it’s best if phones and other accessories are left outside of the greenhouse altogether. If they must come in, putting them in a plastic bag can help avoid the potential of spreading disease.
Plant ToBRFV resistant varieties
It is very easy to spread ToBRFV between plants and greenhouses. That’s why Syngenta Vegetable Seeds was the first innovator of a ToBRFV resistant variety that adds protection from this devastating disease while also providing a great tasting product.
“As we continue to add new varieties to our lineup, we’re making sure they still taste great,” said Dion Potter, JAK Territory Brand and Customer Head. “Consumers love the taste of our tomatoes and choose them when they go to the grocery store, so with the introductions of new resistant varieties we want to make sure that growers can continue to deliver what consumers expect.”
Be vigilant
Continual scouting and hygiene practices are vital to protect tomato plants. Learn more about the ToBRFV and how you can prevent its spread by visiting the Syngenta Australia’s Vegetable Seeds ToBRFV Resource Centre
The information on this webpage reflects industry best practices and should not replace agronomic expert advice. This information alone should not be used to diagnose or treat any crop disease. Syngenta has exercised good faith and reasonable care in compiling this information. All information is intended for general guidance only and the user should apply it in accordance with its own knowledge and experience of local conditions. Reliance upon this information is at user’s sole risk and Syngenta expressly disclaims any and all liability in connection with this advice.
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