Tobacco mosaic virus on greenhouse crops

Thomas Dudek, Michigan State University Senior Extension horticulture and marketing educator - February 11, 2010

Editor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.

Growers are reminded to check incoming cuttings for symptoms of tobacco mosaic virus on calibrachoa and other members of the cutting propagated petunia family. Look for mosaic/mottle patterns and stunting. Leaf deformation can also be noted early on.

Since tomato mosaic virus is spread by the touch of a hand or carryover on sap on a cutting knife, sanitation is key. Are you disinfecting your tools for taking cuttings and washing your hands in warm soapy water?

For more details on dealing with this virus, read the article Virus Diseases of Greenhouse Floral Crops from Ohio State University. It has some great tips on how to avoid problems.

If you suspect a virus problem, send plants to MSU Diagnostic Services for positive identification or use a rapid diagnostic kit from Agdia, Inc.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).