ToBRFV testing
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has been detected in 3 businesses on the Northern Adelaide Plains. With no other infected properties in South Australia, PIRSA is confident the virus is not spreading in our state.
How we test for ToBRFV
The most effective way to find the virus is by sampling host plants (tomato, chilli, or capsicum plants).
As part of our testing process, we take random samples of single leaves – usually a total of 300 per greenhouse (more for seedlings). Ten leaves are combined into a single sample so that we get 30 test results for each facility tested.
We then send the samples to an approved laboratory in South Australia, Victoria or New South Wales. These are the only laboratories currently approved by the Australian Government, available to do Response Plan-related testing and provide results that will be trusted by our trading partners.
Testing is based on the agreed national protocol for ToBRFV which is based on the protocol developed by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation.
Each laboratory runs 2 different tests to detect different parts of the virus. The tests are accurate and are less likely to cross-react with other similar viruses from the same family.
While strip tests are fast and easy to use, they cross-react with a lot of other viruses that we know are present in Australia and infect the same plants. This means that while they may show a positive result, it might not be for ToBRFV.
We may use a strip test to see quickly if disease is present, but we, and other governments, will not accept a strip test result as a final result.
Only results from the approved laboratories are accepted as a confirmed result.
Understanding test results
Virus is 'not detected'
'Not detected' means laboratory tests did not find ToBRFV.
Make sure everyone on your property follows 'come clean, go clean' best practices to prevent the spread and protect against pests and diseases.
Keep an eye out for unusual pests, diseases and ToBRFV symptoms and report anything unusual to the 24-hour Exotic Plant Pest Hotline.
Virus is 'detected'
'Detected' means 2 independent laboratory tests showed results that indicates ToBRFV has been detected (Ct level of 35 and below).
If ToBRFV is detected on your property, you must immediately stop moving tomatoes, chillies or capsicums, and any related plant material, to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
We will assess your situation and you may be given a legal document (an 'order') that will instruct you on what you can do on your property. It is important that you follow its instructions to stop the disease spreading.
Staff and any service providers should not access any areas where infected plant material, waste, or equipment has been kept.
You should place biosecurity signage at every entry point to the property, to help manage entry conditions.
Everyone on your property must follow 'come clean, go clean' best practices to prevent the spread of the disease. Your legal order will include specific information about this.
At present, all known affected businesses are aware of a detection of ToBRFV on their properties. In line with the National Response Plan, we are working with these properties to eradicate the virus and help them return to trade.
Test result says 'inconclusive'
'Inconclusive' means one or both of the laboratory tests showed results above the threshold (Ct level of 35).
If no ToBRFV is detected in other samples from the same premises (a premises is a greenhouse), samples may need to be re-tested, and we may need to collect more samples.
Make sure everyone on your property follows 'come clean, go clean' best practices to prevent the spread and protect against pests and diseases.
Keep an eye out for unusual pests, diseases, and ToBRFV symptoms, and immediately report anything unusual to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline.
South Australia's laboratory
The first SA-based testing laboratory for ToBRFV at the Waite campus of the University of Adelaide began testing in November 2024. This led to an increase in the national testing capacity alongside the 2 approved ToBRFV testing laboratories based in Victoria and New South Wales.
Managed by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) at its molecular diagnostic centre, the lab is providing timely results to allow tomato, capsicum, and chilli growers to import to Queensland and Western Australia – see Market access.
The lab received biosecurity accreditation from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in October 2024.
Private laboratories
PIRSA is working with private labs and another interstate government lab to ensure there is enough testing capacity during peak periods. If approved, private labs will only work on non-Response Plan testing, like that required to support market access needs.
These private labs must meet the required accreditation standard and demonstrate their capacity to conduct the tests to the same high standard expected of the current labs.
Summit Labs in Adelaide have recently met the required standard for testing and will be able to assist with any potential market access testing as needed.