Curly Top Virus in Tomatoes

Young tomato plants that are infected usually die. At later stages of plant development they may survive, but they will be yellow and have stunted growth. You will notice that the leaves will become thicker and crisp. They will start to roll upwards, which is how the disease got its name and is visually diagnostic of this disease. They will also turn a dull yellow color with purple veins. When the tomatoes start to produce fruit it will ripen prematurely and be dull and wrinkled. Plants that have been infected will not recover and will die or remain stunted without additional flowering and setting more fruit. If you suspect a tomato in your garden is infected, it is best to immediately remove and destroy the infected plant so the viral reservoir is eliminated for nearby tomato plants.

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