An alarm was raised for viral tomato seeds at customs. Due to viral seeds that destroy agriculture, 6 different operations were carried out in 45 days. It was determined that these seeds were being attempted to be brought into Turkey from Asian countries.

In the past 45 days, 6 different operations were conducted at customs regarding viral tomato seeds.

An alarm was triggered due to viral tomatoes that not only destroy agriculture but also make consumers sick.

Analyses revealed the presence of the spotted mosaic virus and brown wrinkled fruit virus that threaten the agriculture sector worldwide in these seeds. The Ministry of Agriculture Takes Action

According to a report in Turkey Newspaper, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry took action against viral tomatoes, increasing measures at customs. Chinese-origin viral tomato seeds were caught at customs on January 10th, January 23rd, February 10th from Thailand and China, February 13th from China, and most recently on February 15th from China. It was reported that the seeds that were apprehended were sent back to their countries.

DAMAGING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

Viral seeds named ToMMV and ToBRFV were first detected in the 2010s in North and Central America. The virus, which spread in Mexico in 2013 and the United States in 2018, is known for destroying vegetable and fruit production as well as causing diseases when consumed. In 2021, the virus seen in Israel quickly spread to all greenhouses in the country. Israel’s greenhouse activities almost came to a standstill, and had to meet its fruit and vegetable needs through imports.