Scholthof, K-B.G. 2000. Tobacco mosaic virus. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-2000-1010-01
Updated, 2005.

DISEASE:  Tobacco mosaic

PATHOGEN:  Tobacco mosaic virus

HOSTS:  Tobacco, tomato, and other solanaceous plants

Author
Karen-Beth G. Scholthof
Texas A&M University

TMV was the first virus to be discovered over a century ago and was the first virus ever purified. It has since yielded fascinating insights into how viruses infect their hosts. Research on TMV has also led to major Nobel prize winning discoveries on general principles of life.

Typical mosaic pattern on flue-cured tobacco leaves
infected with Tobacco mosaic virus. (Courtesy H.D. Shew)