Can tomatoes recover from leaf curl?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Tomatoes cannot recover from an infection of the tomato leaf curl virus. The virus causes irreversible damage to plant cells once infection takes hold. Infected plants can only continue to degrade in health until they ultimately die. Removing sick plants immediately prevents the continued spread of disease through whitefly transmission to nearby plants. This is the best way to safeguard healthy plants.
Viral particles invade plant cells, causing them to replicate uncontrollably. Viral particles disrupt growth hormones, which leads to irreversible plant stunting. Unlike a nutrient deficiency, damage from viral particles cannot be remedied with treatments. I have observed infected plants hang on for weeks, even decay, and never produce fruit.
Identification
- Confirm symptoms: Look for yellowed curled new leaves plus stunting
- Check spread: Note if only some plants show signs indicating viral infection
- Test uncertainty: Submit samples if symptoms conflict with other issues
Removal Process
- Bag immediately: Cover plants completely before cutting
- Cut at base: Sever stems below soil line to remove roots
- Desiccate: Keep sealed bags in sun for two days before disposal
Post-Removal Actions
- Sanitize tools: Clean with 70% alcohol after handling
- Monitor neighbors: Check nearby plants daily for symptoms
- Replace soil: Remove top four inches where roots grew
Take action within three days of a first appearance, and you will have the best outcome. If you wait to remove, whiteflies will distribute the virus so thoroughly that you will struggle to contain it. Replace the removed plants with resistant varieties, such as 'Red Coral F1'. I keep extra seedlings on hand so I can quickly replace any dead or infected plants.
Use resistant varieties and reflective mulch to diminish the likelihood of outbreaks in subsequent years. Reflection and resistance will greatly reduce the possibility of infection. During the warm months when whiteflies are active, observe your plants closely. Healthy, vigorous tomato plants will produce lots of fruit, regardless of whether they have been infected with viral organisms.
Read the full article: Tomato Leaf Curl Virus: Complete Guide
