Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus: Symptoms, Management & Resistant Varieties

Symptoms

Bronzed, curled young leaves with dark spots; fruit develops the giveaway concentric ringspots on ripening fruit. Vectored by thrips, so pressure tracks thrips populations, worst across the Southeast.

Management

The Sw-5 gene (code TSWV) in southern-adapted hybrids like Amelia and Bella Rosa is the primary control where the virus is endemic. Reflective mulches suppress thrips landings; insecticide control of thrips alone rarely prevents infection because transmission happens fast.

Varieties with documented resistance

Variety	Level	Code	Basis	Days	Breeding
Mountain Merit	resistant	TSWV	Independently observed	73-77	F1 hybrid
Primo Red	resistant	TSWV	Breeder declared	68-73	F1 hybrid
Skyway 687	resistant	TSWV	Independently observed	72-78	F1 hybrid
BHN 602	resistant	TSWV	Independently observed	72-78	F1 hybrid
Crista	resistant	TSWV	Breeder declared	72-78	F1 hybrid
Tribute	resistant	TSWV	Breeder declared	72-78	F1 hybrid
Amelia	intermediate	TSWV	Independently observed	75-80	F1 hybrid
Bella Rosa	intermediate	TSWV	Independently observed	72-76	F1 hybrid

This is the page where the difference matters most, because it is where a variety gets chosen for its resistance. Breeder declared means the claim comes from whoever breeds or sells the seed, which for most resistance genes is the only evidence that exists. Independently observed means an institution with no stake in the sale grew the plant and reported what happened.

Sources & References

Evidence: 1 source, an independent reference.

Tomato Production and Cultivar Guides · University of Florida IFAS Extension, University or Government