What you need to know about Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)

An outbreak of Tobacco Mosaic Virus associated with infected petunias mother plants has been reported in the last week.
Unlike its name, TMV has a very wide host range and can infect more than 350 different plant species. Insects, such as aphids or thrips do not vector the virus but this can spread from plant to plant by mechanical transmission during plants handling. Sap of infected plants can be carried on workers’ hands, clothing or on tools and can be then introduced into healthy plants during greenhouse operations. The virus can also survive outside of the plant on dried sap on surfaces such as door handles and tools.

Scout your crop frequently and test suspicious plants immediately! If infected plants are found, they should be discarded immediately. A fresh 10% Clorox solution should be used to sanitize greenhouse and headhouse work benches, carts, door handles, water faucets, walkways, shared equipment, as well as being used by greenhouse workers to sanitize their hands. Tobacco products (cigarettes or smokeless tobacco) should not be allowed in the greenhouse. When tobacco products are handled or kept in pockets, hands and clothing can become contaminated with TMV and be a source of virus. Tobacco smokers must sanitize their hands before working or use disposable hand gloves.

As a reminder, The Ohio State University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic as well as many other labs across the country can provide virus testing. For more information visit www.ppdc.osu.edu