Jordan virus affects tomatoes and peppers. Other host plants on the field or in the environment are not known.
Novel plant disease: 6000 tomato plants confiscated
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A shipment of 6,000 tomato plants had to be confiscated and destroyed at Zurich Airport. The young plants were infected with the Jordan virus. The Agroscope research institute reported the case on Tuesday (May 24). Jordan virus affects tomatoes and peppers. It is highly contagious and survives for a long time on plant debris, in the soil and in greenhouses. Harmless to humans, the virus can lead to total crop failure in crops.
In Switzerland, the Jordan virus was first detected in Thurgau in summer 2021. The Confederation and cantons are now pursuing a containment strategy: a newly created Agroscope research group is using a PCR test to diagnose plant samples in a quarantine laboratory. In the current year, the group has examined three shipments of imports, two of which have been positive, according to Tuesday’s statement. Agroscope and the cantonal plant protection services want to prevent infected young plants from being planted in vegetable production companies or home gardens. In addition, up to 1000 spot checks in vegetable farms, nurseries or garden centers are planned. According to the announcement, the drainage water from greenhouses is also examined for the Jordan virus. “We are trying to protect agriculture from the virus,” says Denise Altenbach, head of the responsible research group at Agroscope.
Ukrainian refugees with Valais acquaintances on a hike in April 2022.
Valais takes in 60 orphans from Ukraine
sgi. They come from the war – and should get some security and peace in the Swiss mountains.
By the end of August, Valais wants to take in 60 orphans from the Ukraine and their companions. The canton announced this on Monday (May 23). The children first fled to Poland and are now staying in a former school in the parish of Saint-Gingolph. The Ukrainian authorities had requested admission. It was organized with the participation of private individuals and the federal government.
In Valais, the young Ukrainians should receive instruction and medical support according to their needs. However, the responsibility for them should continue to be borne by the carers who accompany them to Switzerland.