A&L Biological Inc., a research company based in London, Ontario specializing in biological plant stimulants and crop protection solutions, has announced the launch of trials for its new preventative treatment targeting Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). The product, branded Ruguard, entered field trials in Leamington, Ontario on February 20.

ToBRFV is a highly destructive virus that causes significant economic losses in tomato production. Infected crops can experience yield reductions of up to 70%, with marketable fruit losses ranging from 10–15%.

The virus spreads rapidly and is difficult to control once established. It can overcome the resistance genes commonly use in commercial tomato varieties to protect against other major viruses. Currently there are no tomato varieties immune to ToBRFV.

Common symptoms of ToBRFV include:

• Yellow (chlorotic) spotting and marbling on fruit
• Fruit deformation and uneven ripening 
• Brown, wrinkled (rugose) patches

The Leamington trials will evaluate four different strains of Ruguard to measure their effectiveness in reducing yield loss and minimizing fruit discoloration. The preventative will be applied via leaf infiltration, and the trial period will run for six months.  A grower can also apply the vaccine during propagation, i.e. during the graphing process in tomatoes.

Upon successful demonstration of efficacy, A&L Biological plans to submit Ruguard for regulatory approval with the Pest Management Regulatory  Agency (PMRA).