-
Fréjus Tunnel that connects France and Italy to close this weekend
The tunnel will close for 12 hours and not the 56 hours originally announced
-
TotalEnergies opens service station for electric vehicles in Paris
It is the first of its kind in the capital and has ultra-fast charging
-
Conductors on French public transport will soon be able to check your address
Move is part of anti-fraud plans to prevent people from giving false information during fines including on SNCF trains
France: Virus affects melons, cucumbers and courgettes
The virus, identified in the South of France, does not pose a risk to human health
A virus that attacks melons, cucumbers and courgettes has been identified in the south of France, the ministry for agriculture announced yesterday (October 21).
The virus, known as Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus (ToLCNDV), has been identified on courgette leaves in one plot in Occitanie and three in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
The infected vegetables were found in production and seed selling establishments, but the plots concerned were not intended to be used for the production of commercial seeds.
‘No risk’ to human health
The ministry confirmed that the virus poses “no risk to human health”.
Measures have been taken to halt the spread of the virus through tools such as scissors and secateurs, and by the aleurode Bemisia tabaci – a small, white fly that can transport it from plant to plant.
Infected plants will be destroyed on the plots in which they are growing, to try and stamp out the virus.
An investigation is underway to determine the source of the infections and extra surveillance measures will be put in place in the countryside, the ministry said.
Can damage and even destroy fruits
Symptoms of ToLCNDV include yellow mosaic patterns forming, leaf curling, vein swelling, plant stunting and even the complete suppression of fruit production. On melons, cucumbers and courgettes it can cause skin roughness and longitudinal cracking.
The virus is present in European countries including Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece, but has not previously been seen in France.
In India, it frequently affects tomato plants.
Related stories
Bacteria deadly to olive trees found in southern France
French farmer’s long fight against Monsanto draws to close
France warned over poisonous autumnal vegetables