Control measures for tomato spotted wilt are limited, since varieties of tomatoes which are resistant to the causal virus are not yet available. The same is true for peppers, which are also frequent spotted wilt virus targets. One of the major factors responsible for widespread spotted wilt problems this season is likely tied in with weather conditions earlier this spring. During the course of feeding on the weeds, thrips pick up the spotted wilt virus and later carry it tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables. The virus is introduced into these plants during thrips feeding activities, and after seven to fourteen days, tomato plants develop symptoms of tomato spotted wilt disease.
Tomato plants infected by spotted wilt disease develop distinct symptoms.
Look for distorted foliage near the top of plants. This foliage tends to curl down and back toward the main stem. As a result of blighting and dieback of young shoots, top growth of diseased plants is slowed down and takes on a bunchy appearance. Dark streaks frequently appear on stems and leaf petioles. Occasionally, infected leaves take on a bronzed appearance, or less frequently, veins on the undersides of leaves of stunted plants develop a purple color.