Diseases of tomato (
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) was found in Arizona in a home garden in the Phoenix area in February 2007. This is the first recorded occurrence of the disease in Arizona. TYLCV is transmitted by adult silverleaf whiteflies (Bemesia tabaci Biotype B), but is not transmitted on seed or by mechanical means such as cutting or pruning. It also infects pepper.
It is important to remove infected plants immediately. Take the entire plants out, put in a plastic bag, tie up the bag and dispose of it. Whitefly control is important to reduce spread of the virus, but in areas where Bemesia tabaci is abundant such as the low desert areas of Arizona, this is difficult. Since the virus is not seed borne, starting plants from seed will prevent introduction of the virus on infected transplants. Symptoms are similar to those of other viruses and other problems in tomatoes such as high soil salinity, and proper identification is important (contact).
For more information and photos of symptoms:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/NFREC1
April 16, 2007