Experts have introduced a quarantine regime in the greenhouse complex of the Kirovsky district of the Stavropol Territory due to the emergence of the tomato brown wrinkling virus. This virus was identified in the region for the first time, as reported by representatives of the press service of the North Caucasus Interregional Directorate of Rosselkhoznadzor.

Photo: “Tomatoes” by The Ewan is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

“In the Stavropol Territory, the brown wrinkling virus of tomato fruits was detected for the first time. The North Caucasus Interregional Department of Rosselkhoznadzor received the results of a laboratory study confirming the presence of the virus … in the Kirov District of the Stavropol Territory,” reads the official statement.

The area of ​​the greenhouse complex, where two foci of infection were identified, is 10 hectares. Experts have established quarantine zones in this complex and introduced appropriate restrictive measures. “Land owners were provided with a program to limit and eliminate this quarantine object,” the department explained.

Tomato brown wrinkling virus is a serious threat to vegetable crops. According to Rosselkhoznadzor, this virus can survive in seeds and contaminated soil for several months. When infected with this virus, tomato fruits develop areas of wrinkled tissue, which can lead to deformed fruits and uneven ripening. The virus is transmitted through seeds, contact, grafting material and can also spread through pollinators.