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  6. Pepino mosaic virus and pospiviroids in tomato seed

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  • Plant risk analyses
    • Plant commodity/country and pest risk analyses
    • How we conduct a plant risk analysis

Pepino mosaic virus and pospiviroids in tomato seed

We have completed a pest risk analysis for Pepino mosaic virus and pospiviroids associated with tomato seed.

Update

De-regulation of Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid (TCDVd) 

On 12 March 2024, we removed the specific pathogen testing measures for Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid (TCDVd) from the import conditions for tomato seed for planting.

New information has become available since the release of the final report that demonstrates that TCDVd is considered to be present in Australia and not under official control. Consequently, TCDVd no longer meets the definition of a quarantine pest, and there is no technical justification to continue regulation measures for TCDVd on tomato seed for planting.

When we do a risk analysis, we:

  • review the science on pests and diseases of concern
  • assess and analyse biosecurity risks
  • develop risk management measures, if required
  • consult the public on the draft report and then review comments
  • publish the final report
  • publish import conditions in our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).

About the risk analysis

The importation of tomato seed is currently subject to emergency measures to manage the risks presented by Pepino mosaic virus and certain viroids (pospiviroids). Australia introduced the emergency measures in June 2008 and revised the measures in February, May and November 2012, and November 2013.

We initiated this risk analysis to assess the risks, evaluate the emergency measures, consider ongoing phytosanitary measures and ensure any ongoing measures are technically justified. 

Final report

Summary of the final report

We released the final report on 26 February 2021.

This pest risk analysis supports the risk management measures that are in place for Columnea latent viroid (CLVd), Pepper chat fruit viroid (PCFVd), Tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd), Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid (TCDVd) and Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV).  

Emergency measures for Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) will remain in place while the department continues to evaluate the regulatory status of this viroid.

Risk management measures

In addition to the department’s standard seeds for sowing import conditions, a combination of risk management options is recommended for seeds of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and hybrids of this species that includes a test or a treatment for each identified pest:

  • Option 1. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test—an option that is applicable to all five quarantine pests.
  • Option 2. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test—an option that is applicable only to PepMV.
  • Option 3. Heat treatment—an option that is applicable only to PepMV.

Your feedback on the draft report

Based on stakeholder comments and a review of scientific literature, we have made a number of changes to the risk analysis. These changes include:

  • removal of Tomato planta macho viroid from the risk analysis because there is insufficient evidence that this viroid is associated with the tomato seed for sowing pathway
  • retention of an ELISA test as an option to manage the risk of introducing PepMV.

Download submissions on the draft report

Available until February 2022

DocumentPagesFile size
Australian Processing Tomato Research Council PDF5213 KB
Australian Seed Federation PDF9181 KB
AUSVEG PDF4290 KB
International Seed Federation PDF289 KB
Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development PDF5535 KB
Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries PDF2714 KB

Published submissions may not meet Australian Government accessibility requirements as they have not been prepared by us. If you have difficulty accessing these files, contact us for help.

Download final report

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, February 2021.

DocumentPagesFile size
Final pest risk analysis for Pepino mosaic virus and pospiviroids associated with tomato seed PDF1023.5 MB
Final pest risk analysis for Pepino mosaic virus and pospiviroids associated with tomato seed DOCX1021.3 MB

If you have difficulty accessing this file, visit web accessibility for help.

Draft report

We released the Draft pest risk analysis for Pepino mosaic virus and pospiviroids associated with tomato seed on 8 August 2018 for a 60-calendar day stakeholder consultation period, closing on 8 October 2018.

Download the draft report

Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, August 2018.

Available until February 2022

DocumentPagesFile size
Draft pest risk analysis for Pepino mosaic virus and pospiviroids associated with tomato seed PDF1292.6 MB
Draft pest risk analysis for Pepino mosaic virus and pospiviroids associated with tomato seed DOCX1291.7 MB

If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.

Trade

Tomato industry in Australia

Australian producers rely on the overseas supply of seed for tomato crop production. In 2018-2019, Australia’s production of tomato vegetable was valued at $674.2 million.

Source: Horticulture Innovation Australia—Australia Horticulture Statistics Handbook (2018-19)

Next steps

Notice of the implementation of the revised import conditions will be given on the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).

Keep informed

Register as a stakeholder

Subscribe to the Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant to receive notices about plant biosecurity policies.

Contact us

For more information, email imports or phone 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1).

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

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Page last updated: 12 March 2024

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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