NVWA warns of risks using cross-protection against ToBRFV

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has released findings regarding the risks of using cross-protection, or ‘vaccination’ with mild virus strains, to combat the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV).

Experts warn that such practices may increase virus pressure within greenhouse cultivation systems. High virus pressure can accelerate the evolution of the virus, potentially compromising the long-term effectiveness of genetic resistance. Because ToBRFV is highly infectious and prone to mutation, managing mild strains is difficult. The NVWA noted genetic changes in ToBRFV populations exposed to high virus pressure, suggesting that larger virus populations in production systems may provide more opportunities for the virus to adapt. Consequently, experts emphasize the importance of strategies aimed at minimizing virus pressure and limiting spread.