More In-Depth Information

Tobacco Mosaic Virus & Tomato Mosaic Virus

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Tomato Mosaic Virus Fruit SymptomsTomato Mosaic Virus Fruit Symptoms

Tomato Mosaic Virus Foliar SymptomsTomato Mosaic Virus Foliar Symptoms

Distorted Plant GrowthTomato Mosaic Virus Fruit Symptoms

Foliar Symptoms on TobaccoFoliar Symptoms on Tobacco

HOSTS

  • Tomato
  • Eggplant
  • Pepper

BIOLOGY

Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) and Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV) are Tobamoviruses spread by seed, artificial grafting, human handling, and tobacco products. The virus is a concern throughout the growing season.

  • Infection occurs when the virus enters the plant through wounds as small as torn plant hairs.
  • TMV, ToMV, PMMoV, and TMoMV are seedborne.
  • Overwinters in seed coats, plant debris, perennial (weedy) hosts, and soil.

SYMPTOMS

A wide range of symptoms include abnormally shaped fruit, fruit lesions, reduced fruit size, distorted growing points, abnormal color (often yellowing), form, and patterns on leaves, distorted stems, and distortion and dwarfing of the plant as a whole.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

TMV and ToMV are widespread in Utah tomato production and can survive for up to 50 years in plant debris and for weeks to months on trellises or wooden stakes.

  • Watch for symptoms throughout the growing season.
  • Symptoms vary depending on the age of the infected plant, environmental conditions, virus strain, and genetic background of the host plant.
  • Remove infected plants immediately.
  • Source certified disease-free seed.
  • Grow resistant varieties.

There are no chemical controls for TMV and ToMV.























Precautionary Statement: Utah State University and its employees are not responsible for the use, misuse, or damage caused by application or misapplication of products or information mentioned in this document. All pesticides are labeled with ingredients, instructions, and risks, and not all are registered for edible crops. “Restricted use” pesticides may only be applied by a licensed applicator. The pesticide applicator is legally responsible for proper use. USU makes no endorsement of the products listed in this publication.