Tobacco mosaic of tomatoes. How to deal with this problem?

Surely many of those who have their own garden, though one day had to see the consequences, which leads to the tobacco mosaic virus. From this article you will learn how to prevent the appearance of this disease in tomatoes.

A Brief Historical Reference

For the first time this disease was recorded at the end of the XIX century in the process of growing tobacco. On the infected bush there were bright marks. Over time, he began to lose form and eventually died. After that, the disease gradually spread to neighboring plants and after a short time whole plantations became unfit for further cultivation.

The only available method of struggle at that time was the complete destruction of infected seedlings. Such measures allowed preserving the remaining plants. Many years after the discovery of this disease, Dr. Ivanovsky was able to identify its cause. It was the tobacco mosaic virus.

Mechanism of development and biology

The causative agent of this disease is characterized by resistance to external factors. It is established that the virus is able to persist even in conditions of elevated temperatures.

Tobacco mosaic completely infects plant tissues at the cellular level. The cause of its occurrence is the partial disintegration of chlorophyll and damage to chloroplasts. As the plastids break down, carbohydrate levels decrease. As a result, the mechanism of the withering away of individual parts of the tissue is activated. The causative agents of the disease are Solanum virus 1, Cummis virus 2 and Nicotina virus 1.

Main symptoms

In the beginning, the leaves on which the tobacco mosaic appeared appear to become mottled. The color of the spots can vary. They are whitish, bright green or light yellow. Gradually, the leaves begin to wrinkle and deform, acquiring a filiform or fern-like shape.

In addition, tobacco mosaic leads to grinding and uneven ripening of fruits. The growth and growth of the infected plant is slowed down. Due to the violation of water metabolism, leaves and stems dry up. The first to die are young shoots. Damaged fruit is covered with brown marks and begins to rot.

How does infection occur?

Tobacco mosaic of tomatoes can be transmitted as a result of contact with infected cultures or with mechanical damages arising during processing. Often, infection occurs during diving of dense seedlings.

Also, tobacco mosaic is spread by carriers such as bugs, aphids and other insects. The virus can be transmitted through seeds and fruits carried by animals and birds. The main hotbed of infection is the soil, located under the roots of sick tomatoes. This is due to the fact that plant remains can remain in it. Especially rapidly develops a mosaic in conditions of high humidity. It has been established that raindrops flowing from leaves of infected plants can become a vector of infection.

Tobacco mosaic: treatment and prevention

This infection can destroy about 20% of the entire crop. Therefore, it must be fought with. To protect their plants, it is necessary to use exclusively high-quality planting material. Seeds, boxes and other garden tools should be treated with a 5% solution of potassium permanganate. Such manipulations must be carried out for four consecutive days.

To prevent possible infection of the future crop, preventive measures should not be neglected. So, it is important to vaccinate tomatoes with an aggressive strain. When planting plants in the greenhouse, appropriate protective measures must be taken. To decontaminate the seeds, it is recommended that they be previously kept in a 20% solution of hydrochloric acid and thoroughly rinsed under a stream of clean running water. Also, the soil should be steamed by watering it with boiling water for two or three hours.

At least once a week, seedlings are recommended to be processed with milk diluted with normal water in a ratio of 1:10. Among other things, it is important to make timely replacement of soil in the greenhouse, removing from it a ten-centimeter layer together with plant remains.

One week prior to disembarkation into the soil and fourteen days after it, seedlings should be sprinkled with a 1% solution of boric acid. Due to this, it will become more resistant to viruses. Do not neglect and measures aimed at the destruction of insects, which can become potential carriers of the causative agent of the mosaic. Also, in order to prevent the likely spread of tobacco mosaic tomatoes, experts recommend the processing of greenhouses, collect and burn the autumn foliage and old plant roots.