Wilt Virus Deadly to Tomato Plants

There are many plant diseases that make growing tomatoes a challenge in the southeast. One of the worst is tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). First found in our area in the mid 1990’s, this disease is different from most tomato diseases because it is caused by a virus rather than a fungus or bacteria. In addition, unlike most viruses, TSWV kills the plants it infects and it has started showing up on tomato plants in our area in the past few weeks.

The upper leaves of plants infected with tomato spotted wilt virus often develop unusual brown or purple markings that may look like spots or lines. There is no way to treat infected plants, which should be removed from the garden as soon as symptoms develop. This disease can be prevented by planting resistant varieties like 'Crista' and 'Amelia'.

Learn more about recognizing and managing this disease! Read the rest of the story on the Pender Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+130