Final non-regulated risk analysis report for table grapes from the Republic of Korea

1.27Tomato ringspot virus

ToRSV ^EP
Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV) is a member of the Nepovirus genus in family Comoviridae. In parts of the USA, the virus causes significant disease in a wide range of cultivated plants including grapes, apple, almond, apricot, nectarine, peach, plum, prune, sweet cherry, blackberry and raspberry (Brunt et al. 1996; CABI and EPPO 1996). The virus has been reported in Korea (ICTVdB 2006).

The virus was reported more than two decades ago in Pentas lanceolata (Egyptian starflower) in South Australia (Chu et al. 1983). The infected plants were removed and it has not been detected since that time in SA (Cartwright 2009), suggesting it has not spread and is probably now absent from Australia.

Tomato ringspot virus is probably transmitted and disseminated by several mechanisms. It is transmitted through soil between host plants by root-feeding ectoparasitic dagger nematodes of the Xiphinema americanum group. It is transmitted by grafting and might be introduced to orchards and vineyards in infected scionwood (Brunt et al. 1996). It may be maintained in soil contaminated with viruliferous nematodes or remnant roots (Pinkerton et al. 2008). Tomato ringspot virus is also transmitted through seed of several plant species including the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and grapevine (Vitis vinifera) (Uyemoto 1975). Common dandelion is a reservoir host in the USA (Powell et al. 1984).

The risk scenario of concern is the import of fruit infected with ToRSV, germination of some seed, perhaps disseminated in fruit waste, seed-transmission of the virus, survival of infected seedlings and the transmission of ToRSV to other host plants in Australia.

ToRSV was included in the final import policy for table grapes from China (Biosecurity Australia 2011). The assessment of ToRSV presented here builds on this previous assessment. However, differences in horticultural practices, climatic conditions and the prevalence of the pest between Korea and China make it necessary to re-assess the likelihood that ToRSV will be imported into Australia with table grapes from Korea. The probability of distribution for ToRSV after arrival in Australia with table grapes from Korea would be similar to that for table grapes from China. The probability of establishment and of spread in Australia and the consequences the pest may cause will be the same for any commodity or country from which the species is imported into Australia, as these probabilities relate specifically to events that occur in Australia and are independent of the importation pathway. Accordingly, there is no need to re-assess these components, and the likelihood estimates for distribution, establishment, spread and consequences as set out for ToRSV in the China table grape IRA (Biosecurity Australia 2011) will be adopted for this assessment.

1.27.1Reassessment of probability of importation

The likelihood that tomato ringspot virus will arrive in Australia with the importation of table grapes from Korea is: VERY LOW.

Supporting information for this assessment is provided below:

• 
  ToRSV occurs on lily in Korea (Kim and Choi 1990).
  
• 
  ToRSV sensu lato and some strains of the virus have wide host ranges and infect common weed species as well as cultivated plants in North America (Powell et al. 1984; Brunt et al. 1996; CABI 2010).
  
• 
  Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a reservoir host of ToRSV in USA (Powell et al. 1984). Common dandelion grows in Korea (CABI 2010).
  
• 
  Two strains of ToRSV found in the USA, the yellow vein and decline strains, infect grapevine systemically (Gilmer and Uyemoto 1972). Some ToRSV strains may not infect grapevine systemically. No information was found on the presence in Korea of grapevine-infecting strains of the virus.
  
• 
  In addition to lily (Kim and Choi 1990), ToRSV may infect other plant species in Korea and could potentially be transmitted to grapevine from other host species. Xiphinema spp. nematodes are present in Korea (Korean Society of Plant Protection 1986) and could include species that are vectors of ToRSV.
  
• 
  The leaves of infected grapevines may be small and develop ringspot and chlorotic mottling and the canes may grow abnormally (Gilmer and Uyemoto 1972; Dias 1977). Infected vines may produce small grape bunches and the berries may develop unevenly and be small; some vines may produce no fruit (Gilmer and Uyemoto 1972; Dias 1977).
  
• 
  Infected vines may be removed from production in Korea. Infected fruit and bunches showing symptoms may be culled during harvesting, grading and packing as grapes showing damage are removed during packing (NPQS 2007).
  
• 
  Infected grapevines in the USA were symptomless, or nearly so, in the first year and were difficult to identify (Gonsalves 1988). Fruit of infected vines may appear normal. Symptoms varied in intensity throughout the year. In Maryland USA, infected vines showed no obvious foliage symptoms, although fruit bunches were affected (Gonsalves 1988).
  
• 
  At least one strain of ToRSV is transmitted at a low rate through the seed of infected grapevine (Uyemoto 1975).
  
• 
  Normal looking grapes carrying ToRSV infected seed might be imported into Australia.
  

The possible asymptomatic infection of grapevine and production of normal looking grapes carrying the virus, moderated by lack of reports about the presence of grapevine-infecting strains in Korea, support a likelihood estimate for importation of ‘ very low’.

1.27.2Probability of distribution, of establishment and of spread

As indicated, the probability of distribution, of establishment and of spread for ToRSV will be the same as those assessed for table grapes from China (Biosecurity Australia 2011). The likelihood estimates from the previous assessment are presented below:

Probability of distribution: MODERATE

Probability of establishment: LOW
Probability of spread: MODERATE

1.27.3Overall probability of entry, establishment and spread

The overall probability of entry, establishment and spread is determined by combining the probabilities of entry, of establishment and of spread using the matrix of rules for combining qualitative likelihood shown in Table 2.2.

The likelihood that ToRSV will enter Australia as a result of trade in table grapes from Korea, be distributed in a viable state to a susceptible host, establish in Australia and subsequently spread within Australia is: VERY LOW.

1.27.4Consequences

The consequences of the establishment of ToRSV in Australia have been estimated previously for table grapes from China (Biosecurity Australia 2011). This estimate of impact scores is provided below.

Plant life or health E

Any other aspects of the environment A
Eradication, control, etc. D
Domestic trade C
International trade C
Environment B

Based on the decision rules described in Table 2.4, that is, where the consequences of a pest with respect to one or more criteria are ‘E’, the overall consequences are estimated to be MODERATE.

1.27.5 Unrestricted risk estimate

Unrestricted risk is the result of combining the probability of entry, establishment and spread with the estimate of consequences. Probabilities and consequences are combined using the risk estimation matrix shown in Table 2.5.

Unrestricted risk estimate for Tomato ringspot virus
Overall probability of entry, establishment and spread	Very low
Consequences	Moderate
Unrestricted risk	Very low

As indicated, the unrestricted risk estimate for ToRSV of ‘very low’ achieves Australia’s ALOP. Therefore, specific risk management measures are not required for this pest.