Common in tomatoes, tobacco mosaic virus is a viral disease transmitted through contact with infected plants, unsanitized gardening tools, insects or even dirty hands. Even contaminated soil can cause your tomatoes to become infected.
What are the symptoms of tobacco mosaic?
The disease is identifiable by the appearance of irregularly shaped yellow spots on the leaves and sometimes on the fruit. Present in large numbers, these spots form mosaic-like patterns, hence the name of the disease. Note that the leaves may also become deformed.
How do I prevent my tomatoes from getting sick?
Since there is no real treatment for tobacco mosaic, it is important to know how to prevent it.
- Disinfect gardening tools frequently to prevent the virus from developing or spreading. Ideally, disinfect every time you change plants.
- Promptly remove all diseased plants to prevent the virus from spreading to healthy plants (do not compost them!).
- Choose tomato varieties that are resistant to tobacco mosaic and buy your plants from a seller you trust.
