Crops in the Indian state of Maharashtra were infected by an unknown virus called "teranga", which caused rotting tomato crops within hours. Up to 60% of the tomato planted in Ahmed Nagar, Pune and Nashik regions was affected by this mysterious virus in 10 days, while India is struggling to contain the emerging epidemic of Corona virus (Covid-19).
Farmers incurred huge financial losses. According to reports, the crops caused by this virus make the leaves of the plant dry quickly and the shape and color of the tomatoes change.
Farmers are upset and anxious after their hard work has been in vain, blaming seed sellers. However, an agricultural expert told media that "it is not possible to confirm anything, yet because this has not happened before".
The expert wonders, "If the seeds are the problem, then why didn't such a problem occur in other regions and crops?"
Farmers are already suffering from all sorts of possibilities due to the national closure, and this strange virus comes at this time, and the history of India has not actually recorded any similar incident. The expert says that getting into the root of the problem and taking preventive measures will take some time.
Currently, samples are examined to be sent to laboratories, but the problem is that laboratories nationwide in India in local agricultural colleges are closed due to quarantine.
So far, no conclusive answer has been obtained. It is also unclear whether this "unknown virus" could infect other crops or if it could damage soil quality.
Farmers fear that if this viral attack is not brought under control, it may spread to other crops. They also want advice on precautionary steps to take before replanting the crop so that the crops are not affected again.