Curly top (Beet curly top virus)

Beet curly top virus causes severe leaf curling and dramatic plant stunting. You see severely deformed foliage that curls upward tightly. The virus spreads via beet leafhopper insects. Manage through insect control and removal of infected plants.

There is no cure for viral diseases. Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent spread to healthy ones nearby. Many viruses spread through insect vectors like aphids and leafhoppers, so managing those populations helps slow transmission. When replacing removed plants, choose virus-resistant varieties if available and purchase certified virus-free stock from reputable nurseries.