Plant viruses
Mottled, ringed or twisted leaves from viruses that have no cure.
What you'll see
- Light and dark green or yellow mottling, mosaic patterns or streaks on the leaves.
- Yellow or brown rings, line patterns or pale veins.
- Puckered, narrow or twisted leaves and stunted growth.
Why it happens
Plant viruses are spread by aphids and thrips, hands and tools, infected cuttings and bulbs, and sometimes seed.
How to fix it
- There is no cure: bag and dispose of clearly infected plants.
- Keep suspect plants apart, and wash your hands and clean tools after touching them.
- Control aphids and thrips, which carry viruses, and never take cuttings from suspect plants.
Keep it from coming back
- Buy certified virus-free plants and resistant varieties.
- Keep weeds down, since they shelter viruses and the insects that carry them.
- Wash your hands before handling tomatoes if you use tobacco.
Sources
General guidance, not a diagnosis. For valuable, edible or outdoor crops, check with a local extension service or plant expert. Use any product exactly as its label says, and keep children and pets away while it dries.