The virus is not transmitted to leafhopper eggs. True seed transmission does not occur but persists in potato seed pieces. The leafhopper can retain the virus in as little as 1 minute, but maximum retention occurs after 2 days. Usually a minimum incubation of 21 hours is required within the leafhopper before it can be transmitted to another plant. Very high temperatures can reduce this time to 4 to 6 hours.
Severe infection is related to high light intensity, prolonged summer heat, and high evaporation.
It is thought that high humidity delays visits of leafhoppers. Attempts to control leafhoppers with insecticides is not effective. Fine mesh mechanical barriers over tomato plants on ground or around tomatoes in wire cages is effective. Elimination of infected weeds to drive off leafhoppers before transplants are planted should be tried. Resistant varieties include Roza, Rowpac, Columbia, and Saladmaster.