Dr Roger Jones, principal plant virologist, Department of Agriculture, has warned Western Australia needs to be vigilant against a tomato virus causing major problems in Europe and the USA.

Virus diseases affecting a wide range of tropical and temperate crops were described at virus conferences attended by Dr Jones in Peru and Florida.

“Many of these viruses have not yet reached Western Australia but are sufficiently damaging to be of serious biosecurity concern for us,” said Dr Jones.

“Among them is the Pepino mosaic virus in tomato which originated in South America and now causes a major disease problem in Europe and the USA.

“We need to be alert for its potential to be imported on tomato seed,” said Dr Jones.

“Another very serious example is the group of begomoviruses.

“These are transmitted by whitefly and they ruin vegetable crops such as beans, tomatoes and cucurbits in warmer climate zones within nearly all continents except Australasia, including regions with Mediterranean-type climates.

“This group of viruses is of particular concern because its vector, the silverleaf whitefly, recently became established at Carnarvon.

“One or more of these viruses could wreak havoc with vegetable crops there and elsewhere in Western Australia,” said Dr Jones.