Revision in 2024 of the PRA originally approved in 2020.

Entry: the pest has already entered many times in the EPPO region with different pathways (infected fruits and seeds) and has greatly increased its distribution since 2020. The probability of further entry was considered as high with a low uncertainty, the highest ratings being seeds of pepper and tomato; plants for planting (excluding seeds and pollen); fruits stored or repacked at destination in facilities that also grow host fruits, or repacked at destination in facilities that also pack local fruits; used containers, tools, equipment and conveyance vehicles; as well as persons working in place of production of host plants. It should be noted that, from mid-2019, several EPPO countries (e.g. the EU countries, Morocco, Turkey) have introduced requirements for some of these pathways which have reduced the risk of further entry into these countries. 

Establishment: Establishment of ToBRFV is very likely to occur indoors in the EPPO region (with a low uncertainty) as established populations have already been reported in these conditions in the PRA area (e.g. in Israel and Jordan, as well as in Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands). Under protected conditions, conditions are favourable to the development of the crops and therefore also of the virus. The chance of the virus surviving eradication programmes is dependent on early management, the intensity of tomato production and of the quantity of ToBRFV infested plants in a certain area. Establishment of ToBRFV is likely to occur outdoors in the EPPO region (with a moderate uncertainty) where host plants are grown. However, the proportion of infected plants may remain low when the management practices are less favourable to the spread of the virus within the crops. 

The magnitude of spread was rated very high with a low uncertainty. The pest could spread by natural dispersal (e.g. with pollinating insects and birds) in a production area or wider via human-assisted mechanical transmission by workers, visitors, tools and equipment (including plastic containers used for the transport of fresh tomatoes) as well as with the trade of plants for planting, seed and fruit. 

Impact (economic and social) is likely to be high with a moderate uncertainty. The virus causes major concerns for growers of tomato. ToBRFV overcame the Tm-1 and Tm-2/Tm-2² tomato resistance genes to tobamoviruses, reducing the vigour of the plant, causing yield losses and virus symptoms making the fruits downgraded or unmarketable. The virus can significantly reduce plant vigour and, under certain conditions, may cause premature death of the plants. To date, impact on pepper production is not important. The EWG considered that in countries of the PRA area where in 2024 ToBRFV, is present, costs are still significant for surveillance, outbreak declaration, eradication and hygiene measures. Eradication is not always possible. The chance of the virus surviving eradication programmes is dependent on local measures, early management, the intensity of tomato production and of the quantity of ToBRFV infested plants in a certain area. New resistant varieties could minimize the impacts. 

The EWG considered that phytosanitary measures to prevent further introductions should be recommended for Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum species. 

The Panel on Phytosanitary Measures noted that the situation of this pest has evolved with an increase in the area of distribution of ToBRFV (in 2020 outbreaks were present in 9 EPPO countries whereas in 2024, 31 EPPO countries were concerned.). It also noted that with hygiene measures, varieties with a certain level of resistance on the market and seed testing, a reduction of this impact is expected. The EWG considered that recommendation as A2 pest was still justified as there are EPPO countries where the pest is not present or widespread. Depending on pest situation, the Panel on Phytosanitary Measures considered that EPPO countries could apply some of the measures in another regulatory framework (e.g. RNQP, ISPM 16, 21).

Phytosanitary Measures to reduce the probability of entry: Risk management options are considered for host seeds, plants for planting (excluding seeds and pollen), fresh fruits, used containers, tools, equipment and conveyance vehicles associated with the host production and supply chain, as well as persons working in place of production of host plants.

In addition, hygiene practices have been shown to be efficient at the plant production level and for treatment/disinfection of greenhouse surfaces, irrigation systems, seeds, soil and disposal of crop material.