Alerts
Changes to approved PCR primers and protocols for ToBRFV testing
Effective from 16 July 2019The department has updated the Approved list of PCR protocols and recommended primers for testing of tomato and capsicum seed for Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).
These changes are:
Two primer sets (approval date 7 June and 24 June 2019) have been added to the Approved list.
One primer set (primer used by Li et al 2018) has been removed from the Approved list, as recent test results have indicated the primers lacked sensitivity.
The Approved list is maintained on the department’s website. Any additional changes to this list will be communicated through a BICON Alert.
Import Permits:
There is no change required to import permits as a result of this update.
Who does this alert affect:
This alert affects clients of the Department of Agriculture (the department) who import tomato and capsicum seed for sowing.
Background:
The emergency measures for tomato and capsicum seed require additional diagnostic testing for ToBRFV. Only department approved PCR protocols and recommended primers will be accepted for testing for the detection of ToBRFV in tomato and capsicum seed for sowing.
Further information:
Please contact Plant Import Operations at imports@agriculture.gov.au or on 1800 900 090.
This Alert applies to the following Cases: