Tobamoviruses

Tobamoviruses—tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMV)—are stable and highly infectious viruses that are very easily spread from plant to plant by contact.

This 2 page factsheet provides information on Tobamoviruses which are important to the Australian vegetable industry.

Authors :
Denis Persley and Cherie Gambley (DEEDI-QLD)

Management of Tobamoviruses
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Key Points:

These viruses can survive for long periods in crop debris and on contaminated equipment.

Although these viruses affect field crops, they are more often a problem in greenhouse crops where plants are generally grown at a higher density and handled more frequently.

Unlike most plant viruses, tobamoviruses are not transmitted by insects and are very stable in the environment.

  • Tobacco, tomato and pepper mild mottle viruses (tobamoviruses) are highly infectious and are easily spread by contact (leaves touching and people handling plants).
  • The viruses can be carried on seed.
  • The viruses survive in crop debris, including roots in soil and on contaminated equipment and clothing.
  • Healthy seedlings and strict hygiene form the basis of effective management.
  • Resistant plant varieties are available. You will need to consider adaptability, potential yield, resistance to other important diseases and fruit type when selecting varieties.
  • Applying insecticides does not control tobamoviruses.
  • If you discover infected plants, restrict access to the area and remove them (if possible); otherwise always work in the affected area last and decontaminate yourself and equipment before working elsewhere.

See Also :

Viruses and Vegetables

Aphid transmitted viruses

Viruses transmitted by Thrips

Viruses transmitted by Whitefly

Tobamoviruses

Acknowledgements :

This technical reference note has been produced by Denis Persley and Cherie Gambley (DEEDI) as part of the Horticulture Australia Limited project VG-07128-Integrated management of viral diseases in vegetables.

This project has been facilitated by State Governments, and Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) in partnership with AUSVEG through the National Vegetable Research and Development Levy. The Australian Government provides matched funding for all HAL’s R&D activities.


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