Plant Health Initiative

Tobacco Ringspot Virus - Symptoms

An example of bumpy, rugose leaves.

Plants infected in early growth stages become stunted and will likely remain green after a severe frost.

The most characteristic symptom is the shepherd's crook caused by the curving of the terminal bud to form a crook. Later, other buds on the plant become brown, necrotic, and brittle. Adventitious leaf and floral buds may proliferate excessively.

Leaflets are dwarfed and may cup or roll. Leaf blades may be mottled, or bumpy (rugose) and bronzed. Pods are generally underdeveloped and often aborted.