Tomato Mosaic
Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV)
1 host plant · Viral
Last updated
This profile contains verified disease data from extension databases. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.
Tomato Mosaic can show up on landscape plants, producing visible damage that ranges from leaf spots and discoloration to branch dieback depending on severity. Early detection gives you the best management options.
Start with sanitation: remove and dispose of affected material as you find it. Thin dense growth to improve air circulation, and redirect irrigation away from foliage. If the condition persists despite cultural adjustments, your local Extension office can help identify the pathogen and recommend targeted treatments.
Quick Reference
Management
Seedling stage (cotyledon to first true leaves) is most vulnerable to infection and shows highest transmission rates during handling and transplanting. Mature plants can also be infected but symptom severity depends on plant age at infection, temperature, and virus strain. Continuously vulnerable to contact transmission while virus source materials are present.
Symptoms appear 5-14 days post-infection in young seedlings. Leaf mottling and chlorosis are visible on primary leaves. In established plants, systemic infection develops as the virus moves acropetally through the phloem. Symptom visibility is influenced by environmental temperature and light intensity. Cool temperatures enhance symptom expression; high heat (>30°C) may suppress symptoms (heat masking).
Cultural Controls
- Use certified virus-free seed and transplants from reliable sources. Disinfect all tools, pots, and surfaces with 10% bleach solution or 70% ethanol between plants. Avoid smoking in propagation and planting areas (tobacco can harbor ToMV). Wash hands thoroughly before handling plants. Keep seedbeds and transplant areas separate from field crops. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately. Ensure adequate plant spacing for air circulation. Some ToMV-resistant tomato cultivars are available. Source: PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook