PepMV vaccination remains important

The pressure from ToBRFV should not lead to forgetting the threat from other pathogens such as PepMV or the Pepino mosaic virus, for which vaccination has proven effective. Vaccination against the Pepino mosaic virus or PepMV is a well-established practice for about a decade in tomato greenhouses. However, some producers are questioning this, as noted by Arjuna Ravindirane, a crop protection advisor at the Departmental Committee for Vegetable Development (CDDM).

Experts stress continued focus on PepMV

He emphasizes that it is important not to relax efforts on PepMV vaccination even if resistant varieties to ToBRFV are chosen. The same observation is made by Kaat Hermans, Business Development Manager of DCM. "Following the recent attention given to ToBRFV, several producers have asked us whether vaccination against PepMV remains relevant. Our work on ToBRFV and its interaction with PepMV shows that the presence or emergence of ToBRFV does not reduce the interest in PepMV vaccination," she explains.

Groupe Olivier continues established practices

Continuing well-established practices. Not deviating from the PepMV protection strategy is the approach followed by Groupe Olivier in the Nantes region. In its 13 hectares of tomato greenhouses, vaccination practices, now well-established, continue alongside the introduction of ToBRFV-resistant varieties among the measures aimed at securing production.

Vaccination process has evolved over time

From the beginning of its adoption, vaccination has involved all the tomato greenhouses of the company. Over a decade of practice, the main change concerns the sampling before vaccination to check that the plant material is free of the PepMV virus. This is now done by the plant producer, who sends it to DCM, the vaccine supplier PMV-01 chosen by Groupe Olivier. The application is carried out quickly after the arrival of the plants.

Application process is straightforward

For Cécile Sarcher, associate and quality manager of Groupe Olivier, the vaccine is "easy to apply," not requiring specific equipment or expertise. Temperature control of the solution is ensured during application. "Maintaining the temperature is essential to preserve the vaccine's effectiveness," recalls Arjuna Ravindirane.

Post-vaccination checks are routine

"During the time to apply the entire solution, one must ensure the temperature is maintained," confirms Cécile Sarcher. The team prepares small tanks or adds ice cubes to half the surface to cool the solution. Once the application is completed, a period of four to six weeks must pass before the supplier (DCM) comes to collect post-vaccination samples to check the correct level of vaccine concentration. Photos are sent if a plant appears to have an abnormal appearance.

Strategic planning ensures optimal protection

To optimize the protection strategy, Cécile Sarcher also includes a discussion with the supplier DCM on the cultivation schedule, the areas involved, and the choice of varieties in September or October. "Varieties may show a more or less marked reaction to the vaccine at the level of the plant heads," notes the quality manager. This meeting also serves to define the vaccine order.

ToBRFV-resistant varieties are widespread

In its greenhouses, ToBRFV-resistant varieties have become widespread. Today, there is hardly any variety of yellow striped tomatoes that the team has not yet found that meets their expectations for ToBRFV resistance.