How to manage plant viruses in the greenhouse
Growers should inspect all incoming plant material for symptoms of viruses, including speckling, modelling, leaf curling, vein clearing, chlorosis and stunting. Unfortunately for growers, viruses can be present in plants that are asymptomatic or may not show symptoms for weeks after infection. If there is a known possibility of infected plant material coming into your facility, be extra vigilant when inspecting the plant material and randomly sample plants within each shipment and variety.
Symptoms of tobacco mosaic virus on Tradescantia or wandering Jew (left), tomato spotted wilt virus on Osteospermum (middle), and impatiens necrotic spot virus on marigold (right). Photo credits: Jan Byrne, MSU
Growers can buy virus testing supplies for rapid in-house testing. This allows growers to easily test suspect material identified during scouting. Plants with ambiguous symptoms can yield a positive test result. Alternatively, samples can be sent to a local diagnostics lab, such as MSU Diagnostic Services. Continue to scout the plants during the crop cycle. If possible, quarantine the susceptible or suspicious plant material. If plants test positive for viruses, immediately throw them out as virus-infected plants cannot be cured.
When there is a virus present on plants in the greenhouse, sanitation of benches, floors, watering wands and any other equipment that may come in contact with plant material is critical. Be sure to remove all weeds under any benches in the greenhouse. The primary method of spread of tobacco mosaic virus is by plants touching each other or by hands carrying the virus after touching infected plants. It is critical that those who are touching the plants are regularly washing their hands with soap and water and after touching any suspicious plants or using tobacco products.
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