About ToBRFV?

Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) is a plant virus in the genus “Tobamovirus”. Since it was first discovered in Israel in 2014, the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus has spread all around the world. Symptoms on the fruits/vegetables include yellow spots, wrinkled patches and brown scars that render the crop unsellable.

For vegetables growers, the threat of ToBRFV seems greater than ever. The Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus has been prevalent in cucumber cultivation for years and it seems that ToBRFV is settling deeper into tomato cultivation. These Tobamoviruses are more persistent than corona and can also spread through irrigation water.

Viruses and Biofilm

Viruses also spread very easily through irrigation water. A biofilm often develops in closed irrigation pipes. This is a slime layer created by bacteria, which builds up further as pollution and attaches itself to the inside of the irrigation pipeline. Viruses and fungi reside in this biofilm, making them even more difficult for disinfectants to reach. In order to effectively eliminate viruses in irrigation systems, the first thing to do is to prevent the formation and growth of biofilm. For example, a silver-stabilized hydrogen peroxide, such as Intra Hydro-pure, is well suited for this. It removes biofilm down to the last dropper or nozzle, so that viruses, bacteria and fungi can no longer find protection in it. After reaction with micro-organisms and pollution, Intra Hydro-pure decomposes into water and oxygen. It therefore leaves no harmful, but friendly residues in the irrigation water.