Tomato Spotted Wilt of lobelia

May 21, 2011 7:03 AM

Viral causal agent, Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) belongs to the genus Tospovirus and is vectored by various thrips species

Symptoms: Yellowish spots, rings and lines can be seen on the leaves. The leaves may show a distorted appearance, and the plants will be generally stunted in growth.

Management: Early detection of thrips using yellow sticky traps and active scouting methods can be effective in reducing the spread. Eliminate weeds which harbor the thrips populations. Roguing of infected plants is very important in reducing the spread of the disease through the various thrips sp. which are vectors for TSWV. Pesticide management of thrips is important to prevent secondary spread of the disease from few infected plants. 

Check EDIS publication on “Tospoviruses (Family Bunyaviridae, Genus Tospovirus)

Additional reference: http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/factsheets/Virus_SpottedWilt.htm