Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus - Ask Extension
Nearly half of the 26 tomato plants in my garden show signs of Spotted Wilt Virus. Many of those plants are still producing very large tomatoes, alb...
Knowledgebase
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus #419114
Asked August 03, 2017, 8:39 PM EDT
Nearly half of the 26 tomato plants in my garden show signs of Spotted Wilt Virus. Many of those plants are still producing very large tomatoes, albeit with the mottled color pattern typical of the disease. Are the tomatoes OK to eat? What causes the color pattern in the fruit?
What is my best option going forward to rid my garden of TSWV?
What is my best option going forward to rid my garden of TSWV?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
If you want to confirm that it is tomato spotted wilt virus, you can submit samples to the CSU Plant Diagnostic lab. Dr. Tamla Blunt can do a fairly quick and inexpensive test to determine if the plants have been affected by the virus. But based on your description, it sounds like it is TSWV. http://plantclinic.agsci.colostate.edu/
Yes, you can eat the tomatoes, though they may never develop the flavor you expect or reach full maturity. But eating them will not harm you. The pattern in the fruit is from the virus. However, the plants really should be removed and thrown in the trash.
This virus spreads via thrips, a small insect. The best control would be sanitation. You should remove the affected plants. Plant clean stock and consider not planting in the same area for a few years (practice crop rotation). You can also plant tomato cultivars that are resistant to this virus. Cleaning your tools will also be important. Remove weeds near the plants.
Here is more information on this disease: http://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/02947.pdf
If you want to confirm that it is tomato spotted wilt virus, you can submit samples to the CSU Plant Diagnostic lab. Dr. Tamla Blunt can do a fairly quick and inexpensive test to determine if the plants have been affected by the virus. But based on your description, it sounds like it is TSWV. http://plantclinic.agsci.colostate.edu/
Yes, you can eat the tomatoes, though they may never develop the flavor you expect or reach full maturity. But eating them will not harm you. The pattern in the fruit is from the virus. However, the plants really should be removed and thrown in the trash.
This virus spreads via thrips, a small insect. The best control would be sanitation. You should remove the affected plants. Plant clean stock and consider not planting in the same area for a few years (practice crop rotation). You can also plant tomato cultivars that are resistant to this virus. Cleaning your tools will also be important. Remove weeds near the plants.
Here is more information on this disease: http://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/02947.pdf
