Spotted Wilt

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)

2 host plants

Last updated

Data Maturity Baseline

This profile contains verified disease data from extension databases. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.

This virus infects fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica) plants. Limited details about symptoms, spread, or management strategies are available in current profiles. Spotted wilt virus can be significant on vegetable crops elsewhere but remains poorly documented on ornamental hosts in cool temperate regions.

Vascular wilts are difficult to treat because the pathogen lives inside the plant's water-conducting tissue. Remove and destroy severely affected plants; do not compost them. The pathogen can persist in soil for years, so avoid replanting susceptible species in the same location. Focus on maintaining plant vigor through proper watering and fertilization, which helps healthy plants resist infection longer.

Quick Reference

Causal Agent
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)
Host Plants
2
Favorable Conditions
Initial symptoms appear 5-21 days post-infection depending on temperature and...

Management

Vulnerability Window

Seedlings and young transplants in propagation are highly vulnerable to thrips-borne infection. Vegetable crops are vulnerable during early growth through flowering. Ornamental plantings are vulnerable from emergence through maturity. Plants remain vulnerable throughout the growing season when thrips vectors are active. Greenhouse and nursery environments with thrips infestations present year-round risk.

What Triggers Infection

Initial symptoms appear 5-21 days post-infection depending on temperature and host. In tomato, characteristic symptoms include necrotic spots or rings on leaves and fruit. Young leaves develop downward cupping and a bronze cast followed by dark necrotic spots. Wilting occurs as vascular tissue is affected. In ornamentals like fuchsia and dahlia, symptoms include leaf spotting, rings, and mottling patterns. Fruit may develop necrotic rings or spots. Symptom severity varies by host species and TSWV strain.

Cultural Controls

  • Use thrips-free, TSWV-tested seedlings and transplants. Scout regularly for thrips and TSWV symptoms. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately. Control thrips populations aggressively to prevent virus transmission. Manage weeds that serve as virus reservoirs. Increase plant spacing for air circulation. Use row covers on young plants to exclude thrips. Maintain sanitation in propagation areas. Resistant cultivars available for some host species. Source: PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook

Host Plants (2)