tomato wilt
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is an increasing problem in the home garden. The disease begns with dark spots that form on leaves and spread to stems, forming cankers. The affected side of the plant develops bronzing of the leaves. The growing tips die back and the growth of the plant is stunted. The fruit develops yellow spots and rings in a mosaic pattern. There is no treatment for the infected plants and they should be discarded.
As weeds are often host plants they should be kept to a minimum in the areas surrounding the vegetable garden. When planting your garden, be sure to buy certified virus-free seed and plant varieties that are labeled for TSWV resistance.
