Marianne's Response

Curly Top Virus

Have they found a cure for Curly Top Virus that a home gardener can use? I am a master gardener and teach many classes and that is becoming a very often question.
Thanks
Bill

Posted by Bill WATTS on July 25, 2019

Marianne's Response

I wish I had better news for you but at this time there is no "cure" for curly top virus of peppers, tomatoes, beets and other plants. This viral infection mimics a plant that is stressed for water but instead is spread via leaf hopper insects infected with the viral DNA of the disease. The best defense is prevention. Shade the plants that are susceptible with a shade cloth because the leaf hopper likes to feed in full sun and a barrier such as Remay or agricultural fleece might also protect young plants from the leaf hopper.   Thank you for taking the time to go through the Master Gardeners program and for your service instructing new gardeners and answering questions. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti