The virus is transmitted readily from plant to plant by mechanical means. This may simply involve picking up the virus while working with infected plant material, then inoculating healthy plants by rubbing or brushing against them with contaminated tools, clothing, or hands. Aphids are not vectors of the virus, although certain chewing insects may transmit the pathogen. Virus diseases cannot be controlled once the plant is infected. Therefore, every effort should be made to prevent introduction of virus diseases into the garden.
Sanitation is the primary means of controlling virus diseases.
Infected plants should be removed immediately to prevent spread of the pathogens. Perennial weeds, which may serve as alternate hosts, should be controlled in and adjacent to the garden. Avoid planting tomatoes next to cucurbits, spinach, or other vegetables and flowers susceptible to these diseases. The use of tobacco products during cultural practices should be avoided to prevent inoculation of plants with the tobacco mosaic virus. Those people using tobacco or working with infected plant material should wash their hands thoroughly in soapy water before handling tomato plants.