Tomato mosaic virus
A very stable virus that causes mottled light and dark green leaves, distorted growth and poor fruit on tomatoes, peppers and relatives.
Also known as: ToMV, Tobacco mosaic virus
Symptoms and identification
Leaves show a mosaic of light and dark green or yellow patches, may be fern-like, narrow or curled, and plants are often stunted. Fruit may ripen unevenly, show brown internal marks or be smaller and fewer.
Causes
The virus spreads on hands, tools, clothing and by touching infected plants and then healthy ones. It can survive on seed, in plant debris and on surfaces for months or even years. Smokers can carry tobacco mosaic virus on their hands.
Organic treatment
There is no cure. Pull up and bin infected plants straight away. Do not compost them, and wash hands and tools afterwards.
Prevention
Buy certified virus-free seed and resistant varieties, wash hands with soap before handling plants, and disinfect tools and stakes. Remove weeds, clear plant debris and rotate crops.
Chemical treatment (use with care)
No chemical treatment cures a virus. Prevention and removal of infected plants are the only controls.