Curly Top Virus in the Low Desert

HOST: This is the number one disease of tomatoes in the Southwest. Tomatoes are the primary victim but the virus also attacks 150 other plant species, including beans, melons and beets.

SYMPTOMS:

Plants affected while small are greatly stunted and die. Plants infected when older turn a dull yellow, the leaves roll upward, fruit production and ripening ceases, and the plant slowly dies. Images on University of California IPM Site Stunted Growth, Fruit Symptoms,

CAUSE:

Leaf hopper insects transmit the virus while feeding on the leaves. It may overwinter in several common Arizona weeds, including Russian Thistle.

MANAGEMENT:

• Prevention is everything, there is no treatment.
• Eliminate nearby host weeds and infected plants to prevent transmission and spread of the virus.
• Attempts to kill all insect vectors are futile. It only takes one bite from one carrier to transmit the virus.
• There are no resistant varieties available.

For More Information:

• University of Arizona IPM Site: Leaf Hoppers
• University of Arizona Plant Pathology: Curly Top
• University of California IPM Site: SUGARBEET BEET LEAFHOPPER Circulifer tenellus
• University of California IPM Site: Curly Top

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