19.02.2025 09:42
In the last 45 days, during inspections at customs gates, virus-infected tomato seeds were seized 6 times. These virus-infected tomato seeds have the ability to rapidly destroy all agricultural products in the areas where they are planted. Additionally, these viruses can harm human health and lead to various diseases.
In the last 45 days, during inspections at Turkey's customs gates, virus-infected tomato seeds attempted to be smuggled into the country were seized. Out of the 6 operations, 4 of the seized seeds were of Chinese origin, 1 was from Thailand, and 1 was from India. Investigations revealed the presence of the "spotted mosaic virus" and the "tomato brown rugose fruit virus" in these seeds. Both viruses pose a significant threat to the agricultural sector worldwide and rank among the top 5 most dangerous outbreaks.
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE ON ALERT
According to a report by Kaan Zenginli from Türkiye newspaper, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is taking the matter very seriously. So far, the passage of virus-infected seeds through the border gates has not been allowed. However, the continuous arrival of such seeds at the border gates indicates that the threat persists. The ministry is trying to prevent similar cases by increasing inspections at customs.
"PREPAREDNESS AGAINST RISKS IS ESSENTIAL"
Agricultural engineers emphasize that preventing the entry of virus-infected seeds into Turkey is of vital importance. It is stated that both border controls need to be increased and more investment should be made in domestic seed production to protect Turkish agriculture from such outbreaks. Otherwise, it is warned that if similar viruses spread in Turkey, irreversible losses could occur in the agricultural sector. Agricultural Engineer Ayşegül Aslan, who made a statement on the matter, said, "Turkey must take more measures against such threats to maintain its self-sufficiency in agriculture and ensure food security. While it is encouraging that virus-infected seeds are being caught at the borders, the frequency of such cases is reaching alarming levels. Not only the Ministry of Agriculture but also farmers and agricultural engineers should be educated on this issue and be prepared for potential risks. It is evident that these products caught at our borders in such a short time are not well-intentioned. It is a situation that threatens the country's agriculture."
SPREADING FROM SEEDS, UNSTOPPABLE
The greatest danger of virus-infected tomato seeds is their ability to spread from the seeds and remain uncontrollable. In the areas where they are planted, they quickly destroy not only tomatoes but all plants. This virus, which cannot be resolved through spraying, remains in the infected soil for 5 years. Whatever is planted in the same soil, the disease also infects the new crop. Additionally, it is reported that consuming virus-infected tomatoes can cause high doses of flu-like illnesses in humans. It has been learned that virus-infected seeds are being marketed in Turkey as "high-yielding, fast-growing, and affordable." However, some agricultural engineers claim that this situation is not well-intentioned and could be a deliberate move against Turkish agriculture. Indeed, these viruses are among the most dangerous outbreaks in agricultural history. Turkey's self-sufficiency in agriculture requires it to be more sensitive to such threats.
CAUGHT 6 TIMES IN 45 DAYS
- February 15, 2025: An attempt was made to bring 110 kg of tomato seeds of Indian origin into Turkey from Istanbul Airport. The products were sent back to the country of origin with the intervention of ministry teams.
- February 13, 2025: During the control and sampling of 11.5 kg of tomato seeds of Chinese origin attempted to be brought in from Antalya Airport, Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV) was detected.
- February 10, 2025: 6 kg 901 g of tomato seeds of Chinese origin attempted to be brought in from Istanbul Airport were returned to the country of origin due to the detection of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).
- February 10, 2025: 8 kg 497 g of tomato seeds of Thai origin attempted to be brought in from Istanbul Airport were found to contain Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).
- January 23, 2025: 33.5 kg of tomato seeds of Chinese origin attempted to be brought in from Istanbul were found to contain Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).
- January 10, 2025: 16.2 kg of tomato seeds of Chinese origin attempted to be brought in from Istanbul were returned to the country of origin due to the detection of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).