Tobacco Mosaic Virus & Tomato Mosaic Virus of Tomato
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Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) primarily cause mottling (light and dark areas in irregular patterns) of leaves. Stunting and leaf curling may also occur. External symptoms on fruit include uneven ripening, mottling, and reduced size. Internal discoloration (called “brownwall”) can occur in some cases. TMV and ToMV are mechanically transmitted and easily spread.
Tobacco mosaic virus foliage.
(Photo: Cheryl Kaiser, University of Kentucky)
Yellow strain fruit.
(Photo: John Hartman, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Promptly remove and destroy diseased plant material
- Plant disease-free seed and transplants
- Select resistant cultivars
- Promptly remove and destroy diseased plant material
- Disinfect tools and implements
- Wash hands after handling tobacco products or infected plants
- Manage weeds (potential alternative hosts)
