Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 6/22/22

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) appears to be more prevalent on tomato  crops in central and western North Carolina this year. The incidence of TSWV varies from year to year based on survival of the thrips vector. Be on the lookout for symptoms of this virus. On tomato, TSWV most commonly appears as bronzing of the leaves which eventually turn dark brown or purplish in color. On pepper leaves, the virus may appear as speckling or necrotic flecks and/or chlorotic ring spots. Plants may also wilt or be stunted. Fruit may have chlorotic ring spots and be deformed.

If tomato or pepper seedlings are infected, they may die completely and the top will form a “shepherd’s crook” appearance.

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