Tomatoes, peppers, peppers: the threat of a new virus

The affected plants have easily identifiable characteristics: discoloration, stains, mottled, fruit and leaf deformations.

The danger of the virus comes from its ease of transmission by seeds, plants and infected fruits, contact with a contaminated support (hands, work tools, clothes, pollinating insects, birds...). The virus can survive for a long time without losing its infectious power. No treatment and no resistant varieties exist today.

All sectors (professional sectors, family production, market gardeners, amateur gardeners, gardeners...) and all forms of crops (conventional, organic, greenhouse and field agriculture...) may be affected.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has put in place enhanced surveillance throughout the country, including systematic monitoring of seed and seed lots of peppers and tomatoes originating from countries where the virus is known to be present. It also provided for more information to be provided to professionals in order to remind them of the appropriate health measures (in particular the grubbing-up of plants in the contaminated production unit and their destruction by fire after regulatory authorization).

To prevent transmission of the virus, amateur gardeners must also be vigilant and adopt the right reflexes:

• Buy only certified seed;
• Favor your plant purchases in France. If sold via the Internet, they must be accompanied by a plant passport;
• Wash your hands before gardening. Disinfect your tools and materials regularly.

If you develop symptoms that may be suggestive (as mentioned above), contact your regional Directorate for Food, Agriculture and Forestry (DRAAF) to report.