Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), Begomovirus
Overview
A devastating whitefly-transmitted virus of tomatoes causing severe leaf curling, yellowing, stunting, and dramatic yield loss. Has spread globally and is a major constraint to tomato production.
Symptoms
Severe upward curling and cupping of leaves. Yellowing of leaf margins. Stunted, bushy growth. Flower drop and dramatically reduced fruit set. Plants infected early may be completely unproductive.
Environmental Conditions
Hot
Prevention
Plant resistant varieties. Control whitefly populations aggressively. Use reflective mulches. Insect-proof netting in greenhouses. Remove infected plants and weed hosts promptly.
Management
No cure. Remove infected plants. Control whiteflies with systemic insecticides, insecticidal soap, or biological controls (Encarsia formosa). Yellow sticky traps for monitoring.