If you are in the market for a new plant, learning what pesky pathogens and pests to look for is a great idea. With a new resource from Iowa State Extension specialists, plant lovers can learn what to avoid buying a new plant to avoid tobacco rattle virus (TRV).
Although it might sound like a strange type of snake, it is a plant pathogenic virus that affects many plants like Tulips, Daffodil, Hyacinth, Sedum, and many others. There is no treatment for TRV once the plant has been infected, so prevention is key.
Inspect new plants for symptoms before purchasing and planting. Symptoms on leaves can vary from ring spots, wavy lines, mosaic or mottled patterns. For more information on TRV and a (partial) list of plants that can be infected, read the new encyclopedia article on Tobacco Rattle Virus. Keep this and other viruses in mind as you get plants from valentine's day or attend plant sales this spring.
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Yard and Garden, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on February 11, 2022. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.