Damage:
Tomato Spotted Wilt strikes much more suddenly and forcefully than other plant viruses. Infected plants rarely recover.
Preventing Problems:
Choose resistant varieties, which are widely available. Measures that reduce thrips populations, such as using reflective film mulch, will cut the risk of Tomato Spotted Wilt virus. Several weeds serve as off-season hosts for this virus, and some flowers including dahlias can carry over the virus from one season to the next.
Managing Outbreaks:
Pull up and compost infected plants to keep the virus from increasing among local wild plant populations. If it is still early in the season, plants can be replaced with resistant varieties.