STUDY OF THE DISTBUTION OF TOMATO BROWN RUGOSE FRUIT VIRUS (ToBRFV) IN SOUTHERN BULGARIA

The aim of the study is to analyze and investigate viral pathogens on tomatoes and peppers to detect Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) in seeds and plant samples. The only hosts of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus are tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The spread of ToBRFV carries major risks in tomato and pepper cultivation which are important crops grown in Europe. The symptoms resemble those of other viral infections, such as Tomato Mosaic virus, Pepino Mosaic virus and others found in Bulgaria. To achieve the aim of the study and establish ToBRFV over the two-year period, laboratory analyses were performed on more than 28 seed samples of tomates and peppers, imported or in movement within the EC. About 47 plant samples from greenhouses, with the origin of the plants from other countries, were also analyzed. Samples were tested using the ELISA method for five viruses. As a result of this mass screening, the ToBRFV virus was detected on tomato seeds in Bulgaria for the first time. On the recommendation by the phytosanitary authorities, the infected seeds and the tomato plants produced from them were destroyed in order to prevent and limit the future spread of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus on the territory of Bulgaria.