Tomato Virus Outbreak Threatens Morocco's Crop, Producers Seek Solutions
Morocco has reported the presence in some greenhouses of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV), a virus that destroys tomato plants. In total, ten outbreaks were confirmed during the 2022-2023 season.
The Moroccan phytosanitary authorities have reported the presence of the Tobamovirus, which has devastated 15 to 20% of production, according to AgriMaroc. To offset the losses, some tomato producers have opted for diversification and started growing other vegetables or fruits.
Others have preferred to buy ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties or take biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of infection.
The Tobamovirus was first detected in Morocco in October 2021 in the Souss-Massa region. A second case of infection was reported in 2022 in the Dakhla region. During the 2022-2023 season, ten outbreaks were confirmed, it is specified.
Moroccan tomato exports to the EU have almost doubled in ten years, from 365,695 tons in 2013, the year the EU-Morocco agreement came into force, to 557,225 tons in 2023 and 701,541 tons if the United Kingdom is included.
