Tomato Spotted Wilt Figure 9. Tomato spotted wilt virus occurs on many plant species, and many weed species and perennial ornamentals are hosts. Plant viruses are transmitted by insects and tomato spotted wilt is no exception. It is spread by thrips as they move from infected to healthy plants during feeding. Virus-infected plants usually show some type of malformation that ranges from wrinkled leaves to mottled leaf patterns to severe stunting.
Viruses live within plant cells and depend on the host plant for reproduction.
Because they live within the host's cells, they are difficult to control. There are no chemical treatments for plant virus diseases like there are for fungal and bacterial diseases. Alternative methods of disease management are needed to reduce losses from this group of pathogens. Key Symptoms Affected plants may show symptoms only on one side or they may be entirely stunted and have drooping leaves. Infected young leaves appear bronze, develop numerous small, dark spots and may cup upward or downward.