Hundreds of workers have been laid off following the discovery of a virus that could devastate Australian crops and force farms to close.
Three properties in South Australia have been placed under quarantine after the highly contagious Tomato Brown Rough Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) was detected last month.
The virus has forced the state government to close three tomato farms in the Northern Adelaide Plains region, halting all tomato production indefinitely.
Perfection Fresh, the largest producer in the southern hemisphere, announced the news to about 500 workers on Wednesday after authorities cordoned off the company’s Two Wells property.
Gawler River Tomatoes and South Australia Tomatoes tomatoes have also been blocked.
The virus was initially detected at two properties in the Northern Adelaide Plains region on August 5.
A third infected property was confirmed on August 30 after tracing plant materials.
This is the first time the virus has been confirmed in Australia.
Hundreds of workers (pictured) have been laid off after the highly contagious Tomato Brown Rough Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) was detected in South Australia last month.
ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, peppers and chili peppers.
ToBRFV is a highly contagious plant virus that affects tomatoes, peppers and chillies and is considered a major threat to Australia’s $5.8 billion plant industry.
“The disease can cause a yield loss of up to 75 per cent, which would have a very significant impact on South Australian growers and farmers generally if that were to occur,” South African Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said. .
“Other states, if we don’t deal with this or implement this quarantine, would potentially close the doors to South Australian tomatoes.”
Queensland and Western Australia have already taken steps to ban tomato imports from South Australia.
In a statement, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions of South Australia (PIRSA) said it is responding to the virus and had implemented quarantine measures at infected properties to reduce the risk of spread.
ToBRFV seen as a major threat to Australia’s $5.8 billion plant industry
The virus spreads easily through contaminated tools, hands and clothing and by direct plant-to-plant contact.
ToBRFV can also be transmitted through seeds and through irrigation water, grafts and cuttings.
The virus was first detected in the Middle East in 2014 and has since been reported in China, Mexico, the United States and Europe.
The current outbreak in South Australia has prompted increased vigilance among Australian tomato growers, with other states conducting follow-up testing due to the potential spread of infected seeds.
