The three golden rules to fight TMV:

The Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) and other closely related viruses (ToMV, PMMoV, CGMMV, etc) are a nightmare for every vegetable or ornamental grower. These virus may spread like wildfire in the greenhouse; they can cause heavy damages to the production either at early or later stages with unmarketable plants fruits and flowers.

Most vegetable growers nowadays grow varieties that are resistant to TMV and ToMV. But the viruses evolve quickly and new resistance breaking virus strains may arise as what happened recently.

Tobacco mosaic virus is an extremely stable virus and can easily infect surrounding plants and contaminate surfaces such as benches, pots, tools, etc.

The use of preventive measures and good sanitation procedures remain the most effective way to fight against the viruses. This would include the wearing of protective clothing at company visits and the use of non fat dried milk or other disinfectants in crop operations.

For more information about the fight against TMV please check this excellent guide from Michigan University Extension.

Last but no least, it is very important to regularly scout for symptoms and confirm the suspicious plants with a rapid diagnostic tests.

The TMV Flashkit® (Immunostrips®) of Agdia Inc. can recognize a large number of viruses belonging to the TMV group (Tobamovirus) including TMV and ToMV. The growers can do the test on site without taking the crop out of the greenhouse.
Flashkits® (ImmunoStrip®) can help growers to detect easily different plant pathogens. This detection test is simple as it does not require special equipments or technical qualifications. It is composed of a plastic bag and a strip. The sample is ground in the bag containing a specific extraction buffer, and a strip is then introduced vertically inside the bag. After 15-30 minutes the grower can read the results and make the appropriate decisions. If one line appears on the strip the test is negative, if two lines appear the test is considered positive for the pathogen tested (Flashkit® demonstration video).

Thanks to the test, growers can determine infections in a few minutes. "A test can be performed right on the field or in the greenhouse, basically the grower doesn’t even need to leave the spot”, said Agdia-Biofords' general manager Marcos Amato. In this case, further spreading of the disease or virus is prevented.

You can purchase these Flashkits® (ImmunoStrips®) directly from Agdia-Biofords.

For more information:
Agdia-Biofords
TL +33 (0) 1 60 78 81 64
Email : info@agdia-biofords.com
www.agdia-biofords.com