In recent times New Zealand Tomato growers were shaken up by the discovery of Pepino Mosaic virus and although there is a vaccine available elsewhere, it is not available yet in NZ. There is also the threat of looming diseases present overseas which could arrive here at any time. In particular the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) which is now in 55 countries since being traced back to Israel in 2014. Are you set up to keep it out and would you recognise it?
Tomato NZ recommends that Biosecurity Plans are put in place for each unique production site. See www.tomatoesnz.co.nz/biosecurity/pepino-mosaic-virus/. Here you will find factsheets which guides you through best practices looking firstly at being able to recognise symptoms of pests and diseases through crop checks, keeping records to track and trace any trends, and report anything unusual. Hygiene is a top priority - the plan recommends that the property should have a ‘clean zone’ in which no debris from the greenhouse be dumped but instead this would be taken to an ‘outside zone’ which is not going to ever have anything transferred back into the clean zone. In the Greenhouse, everything should be thoroughly disinfected and cleaned between crops and all personnel should wear appropriate PPE or specific clothing left on the site. Tools and machinery need to be kept clean.
New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industry's main goal is to try and keep harmful pests and diseases out of the country. Greenhouse management should also have this goal in mind. Even with the best practice possible, pests and diseases can slip through and vigilance is essential in order to stop the spread.
Tomato NZ have a host of fact sheets on potential threats to the industry these can be found on their website at www.tomatoesnz.co.nz/biosecurity/exotic-pests-fact-sheets-2. It is well worth becoming familiar with these potential threats when carrying out general surveillance activities. Potential incursions may not even be on the NZ threat list so if you notice anything unusual it is important to report it.
Presently the NZ tomato industry is particularly concerned about ToBRFV due to the high risk to the industry. ToBRFV can result in poor fruit quality and loss of production. All commercially sourced seed entering NZ is tested for this virus generally before arrival.
Another potential threat is the Tomato Pin Worm (Keiferia lycopersicella), present in North Central, and South America including Hawaii. It was discovered in Italy but it did not establish itself. The larvae feed on leaves causing the potential to reduce yields but they also can bore into fruit.
Tomato Red Spider mites (Tetranychus evansi) are present in North America, Caribbean, Europe and Mediterranean countries, Africa, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia. In May 2020, two small populations were reported in the South Auckland area. They do not cause damage to fruit but leaves can discolour and defoliate and in high infestations they make dense webs that wrap and mummify plant material causing plants can die. Tomato Red Spider might are different to the common red spider mite and the two spotted spider mite. Photos: MPI website
