Skip to content

What is ToBRFV

A Growing Threat to Tomatoes and Peppers

ToBRFV, or Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus

ToBRFV, or Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes and peppers. It belongs to the tobamovirus group and can spread rapidly through mechanical transmission—via hands, tools, clothing, crates, or direct plant-to-plant contact. The virus is resilient and can survive for long periods on surfaces and in substrate, making it difficult to eradicate.

Sint oratio at per, diam saepe dicam ei sea. At civibus appetere cum, quem habeo in. Eam modo apeirian te, ut altera iisque evertitur sit. Cu saperet inermis aliquando nam, per impetus qualisque interesset ex, vix at omittantur instructior disputationi.

ToBRFV 1
ToBRFV 2

ToBRFV causes significant damage to tomato and pepper crops, with key symptoms including:

  • Deformation and discoloration of fruits (brown spots, rough patches)
  • Leaf distortion and stunted growth
  • Poor fruit set or complete crop failure

A ToBRFV outbreak results in immediate economic losses:

  • Reduced product quality and marketability
  • Substantial yield loss
  • Potential need to destroy entire crops
  • Reputational damage and export restrictions

The importance of early detection

Because the virus spreads quickly and often without immediate symptoms, early detection is crucial to prevent further contamination. Identifying ToBRFV at an early stage allows growers to take targeted measures, such as:

  • Isolating or removing infected plants
  • Strengthening hygiene protocols
  • Preventing spread to other sections or facilities

Timely detection helps avoid large-scale damage and supports production security and food safety.