RUGOSE INVASION: RETHINKING TOMATO VIROLOGY IN THE ERA OF TOMATO BROWN RUGOSE FRUIT VIRUS

Abstract

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), a member of the genus Tobamovirus, has emerged as one of the most destructive viral pathogens threatening tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production worldwide. Capable of overcoming historically durable resistance genes, particularly Tm-2² and possessing remarkable environmental stability alongside efficient seed transmission, ToBRFV has rapidly spread across more than forty countries in short period of time. To address this crisis, this prospective review moves beyond a passive summary of current events to propose an actionable roadmap for combating tobamovirus emergence. By anticipating the threat, analyzed the epidemiology and global dissemination and symptomological patterns of the virus. Along with evaluating host–virus interactions to identify novel vulnerabilities specifically, how adaptive mutations in viral movement protein enable the evasion of Tm-mediated resistance. To actively confront resistance defeat, the outline of molecular mechanisms and counter-strategies to outpace viral adaptation. Furthermore, emphasized the deploying next-generation diagnostics, including digital PCR, CRISPR-based detection systems and advanced serological assays. Achieving holistic containment which will require evolving integrated management practices tailored for high-risk agricultural environments. Engineering durable immunity, detailing biotechnological and genetic frameworks for sustained viral control, such as the introgression of wild Solanum resistance loci, engineered NLR variants, RNA-based approaches, and CRISPR-mediated genome editing. Collectively, this framework identifies critical research gaps and provides a strategic outlook for establishing durable resistance and securing global tomato production.