Getting my backside handed to me by TMV: suggestions?

Mojo · May 15, 2020

This season I have confirmed the worst: TMV seems to have taken hold in my area (SW Houston). I'm losing about half my plants each year now, and that is a depressing prospect.

So, aside from "burn them ASAP when you find them," what other mitigation strategies are available going forward? I'd like feedback on

resistant varieties
aspirin as a prophylactic measure
and any other tricks that I might try.

Fusion_power · May 22, 2020

It is spread by thrips so you might try some measures to reduce the population. Even resistant varieties will only get you so far.

AKmark · May 24, 2020

I have dealt with it, and it is very virulent. You can brush a plant then touch another and it spreads. It stays in dry soil for up to two years, in moist soil for a month, but in plant matter from 10-100 years, so they say. At any rate, dispose of everything, move your plot. That's my two cents

frogsleap farm · May 25, 2020

TMV and ToMV are both Tobamoviruses that spread by contact, and don't require an insect vector. Pruning, tying up plants, etc, are a very effective way to transmit the virus from one plant to another. There is a gene for resistance to both (Tm2a), which has been incorporated into many newer hybrids. With the severity you describe, I think resistant hybrids are your best bet - but that's for next year. Unless you know otherwise, I suggest you make sure the new hybrid are resistance to both TMV and ToMV.

Heritage · May 25, 2020

Get your plants tested to make sure what you have is TMV or ToMV, do not rely on visual symptoms to make the diagnosis. The strategy going forward is much different for TMV than it is for other problems which present similar symptoms (CMV, nutrient deficiencies, etc.). Good luck!

May 15, 2020	#1
Mojo Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 317	Getting my backside handed to me by TMV: suggestions? This season I have confirmed the worst: TMV seems to have taken hold in my area (SW Houston). I'm losing about half my plants each year now, and that is a depressing prospect. So, aside from "burn them ASAP when you find them," what other mitigation strategies are available going forward? I'd like feedback on resistant varieties aspirin as a prophylactic measure and any other tricks that I might try. __________________ There is no logical response to the question, "Why won't you let me plant more tomatoes?"

May 25, 2020	#4
frogsleap farm Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 568	TMV and ToMV are both Tobamoviruses that spread by contact, and don't require an insect vector. Pruning, tying up plants, etc, are a very effective way to transmit the virus from one plant to another. There is a gene for resistance to both (Tm2a), which has been incorporated into many newer hybrids. With the severity you describe, I think resistant hybrids are your best bet - but that's for next year. Unless you know otherwise, I suggest you make sure the new hybrid are resistance to both TMV and ToMV. Last edited by frogsleap farm; May 25, 2020 at 01:08 PM. Reason: spelling

May 22, 2020	#2
Fusion_power Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,250	It is spread by thrips so you might try some measures to reduce the population. Even resistant varieties will only get you so far.

May 24, 2020	#3
AKmark Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Wasilla Alaska Posts: 2,010	I have dealt with it, and it is very virulent. You can brush a plant then touch another and it spreads. It stays in dry soil for up to two years, in moist soil for a month, but in plant matter from 10-100 years, so they say. At any rate, dispose of everything, move your plot. That's my two cents

May 25, 2020	#5
Heritage Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,255	Get your plants tested to make sure what you have is TMV or ToMV, do not rely on visual symptoms to make the diagnosis. The strategy going forward is much different for TMV than it is for other problems which present similar symptoms (CMV, nutrient deficiencies, etc.). Good luck!