Tomato industry threatened by virus

(KYMA, KSWT, KECY)-A virus that is found on the other side of the border in tomatoes and peppers, may potentially make its way to the U.S.

The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus is spread easily among tomatoes and peppers. It's not like other plant viruses because of how long it can live outside its host.

Plant experts said the virus can stay alive up to years outside of a host. It is easily spread through the use of contaminated tools, hands, and plant to plant contact.

Due to the virus, Customs and Border Protection has begun inspections at every border. Those who try to bring in the fruits through baggage are no longer allowed to. All tomato and pepper seed lots along with its plant materials must be tested and certified it is free from the disease from its country of origin. This effort hopes to prevent the virus from reaching the country.

In 2018, the virus was already found in a California greenhouse. Since then it has been eradicated, but CBP hopes to prevent this from happening again.

The virus has been found recently in tomatoes and peppers in Mexico.

If the virus does reach the country and isn't contained, experts said it can essentially reach an epidemic. With this, the price of tomatoes and peppers could potentially go up.

For more information on the virus, visit https://bit.ly/2qMFCdd.