As a new virus spreads among tomato farms in Chungcheongnam-do, causing continuous damage, Governor Park Soo-hyun visited local farms to seek countermeasures.

On the 7th, Governor Park visited a tomato farm in Sedo-myeon, Buyeo-gun, where the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has broken out.

During the visit, Governor Park received a briefing on the outbreak status and listened to farmers about the difficulties they face in their agricultural operations.

He emphasized the need for prompt public quarantine efforts by the government and stated that the provincial government will mobilize all available measures to minimize damage to farming households.

The Tomato brown rugose fruit virus is a pathogen that causes brown wrinkles and discoloration on tomato fruits, reducing their marketability. Yield losses of 30 to 70% have been reported upon infection.

Since the virus can spread through contact or contaminated farming equipment, thorough prevention and management are required.

The Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services reported that 65 farms spanning 43.1 hectares in the province have received confirmed diagnoses of the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus.

Suspected farms total 136 households across 99.9 hectares.

To prevent the spread of the virus, the Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services sent official notices on the 5th to cities, counties, and farms outlining preventive rules and guidelines, and conveyed field opinions to the deliberation committee of the Rural Development Administration's Pest Risk Assessment Expert Committee.

By the 13th, it plans to conduct intensive surveys on the actual occurrence status targeting tomato farms in all cities and counties, responding with all-out efforts in line with the Rural Development Administration's public quarantine measures.

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