Combating tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV): Integrated seed disinfection and antiviral treatment

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), an emerging and highly contagious viral pathogen first detected in Israel in 2014, threatens global tomato production. This study comprehensively evaluated 33 agents for their efficacy in seed disinfection and control of ToBRFV using in vitro inactivation, seed treatment assays, and antiviral bioassays. Treatment with 3% Virkon, 10% trisodium phosphate (Tsp), 2.5% NaClO, 0.1 mg/ml Phyllanthus emblica extract, Lentinan, or Physcion achieved seed disinfection rates exceeding 90.98%, with no adverse effects on germination or seedling growth. In pot and field trials, Dufulin, Ningnanmycin, and Lentinan exhibited notable preventive efficacy, with field control rates of 59.54%, 54.77%, and 50.95%, respectively. Curative applications of Ningnanmycin, Dufulin, and Xinjunan acetate reached approximately 40% efficacy. Summarily, an integrated ToBRFV management strategy is proposed: (I) seed disinfection using 3% Virkon, 2.5% NaClO, 10% Tsp, Lentinan, or Physcion is recommended, along with the application of these agents to disinfect agricultural equipment to interrupt potential transmission pathways. (II) foliar spraying with Dufulin, Ningnanmycin, or Lentinan for prevention at seedling stage. (III) curative application of Ningnanmycin, Dufulin, or Xinjunan acetate at the early stage of ToBRFV outbreak. This paper provides a practical field-level strategy for ToBRFV management, contributing to reduced disease incidence and protected tomato yield and quality.