A new virus attacking zucchini, cucumbers and melons, present in several European countries (Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece) but so far unknown in France, has been detected in two different regions in the south of France, the Agriculture Ministry announced on Wednesday.
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Contamination by this virus, called Tomato Leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), was identified on zucchini leaves in one plot in Occitanie and three in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur.
The infected vegetables were in seed production and resale establishments, on plots not intended for commercial seed production, and in farmers' homes.
Presenting "
no risk to human health
", the virus causes damage to crops of zucchini, cucumbers and melons.
In India, it is virulent on tomato crops, the ministry said.
Measures have been implemented to prevent any spread by pruning tools, knives or secateurs or through the insect that carries the virus on plants, a small white fly called the whitefly Bemisia tabaci.
The destruction of the plants is organized under the control of the State services in the contaminated plots, with the aim of completely eradicating the virus.
An investigation is underway to determine the origin of the contamination and reinforced surveillance will be implemented for the next growing season, specifies the ministry.
