Key Features
- Mosaic of yellow leaf spots
- Discolored patches
- Leaf distortion
Symptoms
Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) symptoms are dependent on the host species infected. Symptoms range from yellow lines or spots, mosaics (mixed yellow and green leaf sections), mottles (spotty yellow and green leaf sections), and crinkling of leaves.
Biology
TMV is transmitted by contaminated tools, infected leaves contacting healthy leaves, and even from cigarette smokers' clothing or hands to susceptible leaves. The virus survives cigarette processing and storage and is easily transferred by touch.
Management Recommendations
This virus is easily transmitted from infected to healthy plants, particularly by smokers, as tobacco is the primary means this virus is spread. Hands, watering hoses, pruners, weed whips, and other landscape equipment can spread the disease after contacting an infected plant. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, immediately. Composting is not a recommended method of destruction. Gardeners who smoke should refrain from smoking during transplanting and wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, and prior to any work in the garden.
Effective Pesticides
Pesticides are neither available nor recommended for managing this disease.
Resources
- Not satisfied with ID? Contact the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab
- Sign Up for the Purdue Landscape Report
