Tomato Spotted Wilt

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)

5 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 affects jasmine (Jasminum mesnyi) but detailed information about symptoms, transmission, or management is limited. Spotted wilt virus spreads via thrips on other crop hosts but data on ornamental impact remains sparse.

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
5

Management

Cultural Controls

  • Control western flower thrips with insecticides when thrips populations are high (warm season); early-season control is critical to prevent establishment
  • Use reflective mulch or floating row covers at transplanting and early growth stages to exclude thrips vectors
  • Remove and destroy infected plants as soon as symptoms are detected to eliminate virus source
  • Use certified disease-free seed and transplants to prevent seed-borne transmission
  • Clean and disinfect tools, trellises, and equipment between plants and seasons to reduce mechanical transmission
  • Plant resistant cultivars when available; some tomato and pepper cultivars have TSWV resistance genes (Sw5, Sw6)

Host Plants (5)