ToBR-Ag: a project at the heart of the new European plant health regulations

On the 20th and 21st of May, the Cavaillon experimental station hosted around thirty people from several European countries (examination offices, CPVO, breeders) for the latest meeting of the steering committee for the ToBRAg R&D project. Launched in 2022 and led by GEVES, this project focuses on the development of biotest protocols for genetic resistance to the ToBRFV virus in tomatoes and peppers (a virus that can have serious consequences for market gardeners) and the updating of a biotest protocol for genetic resistance to the aphid (Aphis gossypii) in melons.

For the seed sector, and in particular those involved in the distribution of chilli and pepper seeds, the results of this project are useful for implementing the new rules coming into effect in 2025 relating to the status of a Regulated Non-Quarantine Organism. Indeed, for chilli varieties known to be resistant to ToBRFV, virus testing on chilli seeds and the requirement for a plant passport are not necessary; the list of such varieties must be drawn up by each EU Member State and communicated to the European Commission.

As the ToBRAg project has demonstrated that the varieties carrying the L2, L3 and L4 resistance genes (tested during the assessment of resistance to PMMoV: 1.2 and PMMoV 1.2.3) are also resistant to ToBRFV, the list of varieties in the French Catalogue for 2026 will shortly be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture following consultation with the CTPS Section.