How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

Downward curling of leaf blades on tomato plants with tobacco streak is common. Leaf veins become necrotic and can lead to necrotic blotches, especially on young leaves. Fruit may develop necrotic ringspots. Necrotic streaks on young stems extend to flowers and leads to flower drop.

COMMENTS ON THE DISEASE

Tobacco streak is a widespread disease of tomato, but it generally does not cause major losses. Spread of the virus is associated with pollen and/or thrips (including western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, and the onion thrips, Thrips tabaci). Seed transmission is reported to occur in some beans, chickpeas, and weeds. The host range for this virus is wide and includes common weeds such as mustards, radishes and thistles.

MANAGEMENT

There is no genetic resistance to tobacco streak in tomatoes and no effective management strategies are available.

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Tomato
UC ANR Publication 3470
Diseases
R. M. Davis, Plant Pathology, UC Davis
G. Miyao, UC Cooperative Extension, Solano/Yolo counties
K. Subbarao, USDA Agricultural Research Station, Salinas
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
Acknowledgments for contributions to the disease section:
B. W. Falk, Plant Pathology, UC Davis