The dangerous Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus has been discovered in tomatoes on the Kona side of the Big Island. This is a very destructive virus that can destroy whole crops of tomatoes.

Fortunately, there are resistant varieties of tomatoes.We’ve been planting resistant varieties since the virus was first discovered in Hawai‘i.

Here is a College of Tropical Ag and Human Resources (CTAHR) publication about Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus. (The above photos are by CTAHR.)

I was copied in on this email from Mike Melzer to Brian Bushe at CTAHR:

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Michael John Melzer
Date: Mon, Apr 5, 2010 at 3:32 PM
Subject: tylcv
Hi Brian,

I was able to test the two tomato samples from Kailua-Kona using the tissue-blot hybridization assay.  Both samples were positive for tomato yellow leaf curl virus.  I will do PCR on the samples as a confirmation, as well as to see how similar this virus is to the strains found on Maui and Oahu.  However, I think today’s results, combined with the observed symptoms, are strong evidence TYLCV is on the Big Island.

Could you please give notice to the appropriate extension personnel over there?

Take care,
Mike.

And then this one:

Gentlemen,

More bad news, see Mike Melzer’s comments below (thanks Mike).  The tomato sample was collected from a home-gardener in Kona at 800′ elevation (kudos to her for recognizing the symptoms).  Please relay to your clients and help them learn to recognize symptoms.

http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/PD-70.pdf

Resistant/tolerant cultivars appear to be available.

Mahalo, Brian

Brian C. Bushe
University of Hawaii at Manoa
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center – Hawaii County