Diseases of tomato (
Tomato mosaic virus
Tomato mosaic virus causes light and dark green mottling of leaves, stunting, leaf rolling and reduction of leaflet area depending on the strain of the virus present and temperature. At high temperatures, symptoms may be masked entirely, while at low temperatures the reduction in leaf tissue called “fern-leaf” is common (photo 1). Tomato mosaic virus is easily mechanically transmitted in the plant sap. It has a wide host range. Chewing insect and seed transmission have been reported but are not considered important.
Resistant varieties are available, and resistance is the best way to avoid losses from disease. Sanitation is very important, and because it is so easily sap transmissible, workers should wash their hands with soap and water, pruning tools should be sterilized, and contaminated clothing washed before re-entry into the greenhouse.
1 
February 24, 2003