Busan Greenhouses Confirm Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus Infections
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus has spread to Busan, the agricultural region known for producing Daeseo jjjalyi tomatoes, ytn.co.kr reported. Six hydroponic tomato farms in Gangseo-gu tested positive for the pathogen, while authorities are running polymerase chain reaction tests on two additional facilities.
The viral infection targets solanaceous crops including tomatoes, peppers, and paprika. Affected plants display mosaic mottling and wrinkling on leaves alongside needle-like deformations. Uneven red and green coloration appears on fruits, accompanied by brown spots, surface crinkling, and cracking. Severe cases result in fruit decay and production drops ranging between 30% and 70%.
National Spread and Transmission Risks Across Regions
More than 50 countries have confirmed infections since the global emergence of the virus. Domestic cases surfaced on November 20 in Gimje, North Jeolla Province, before spreading to Buyeo and Nonsan in South Chungcheong Province.
No chemical controls exist to treat the pathogen, making strict prevention the only defense. The virus spreads easily through minimal contact. Workers can transfer the infection inside growing facilities using contaminated hands, gloves, pruning shears, footwear, or brushed clothing.
Busan Agricultural Authorities Issue Hygiene Directives
Busan Agricultural Technology Center conducted virtual training sessions for 46 hydroponic tomato farms in the area to address the outbreak.
We trained 46 farms,
said Jeong Ok-seon, head of the technical agriculture team at the Busan Agricultural Technology Center, according to ytn.co.kr. That is the number of hydroponic farms, but if you include soil-based cultivation as well, it was a Zoom training session that could accommodate up to 100 people.
City officials urge farm operators to restrict outside visitors and maintain strict sanitation protocols across all growing facilities.
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