Back in November, I received this note from Dr. John Hu (who is a plant pathologist at the University of Hawai‘i’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources). It said they had found a new tomato virus on Maui — one that is considered the most devastating tomato virus worldwide.

This virus is not spread by seed or by mechanical means, but by the white fly. So if it is only spread by the white fly, how did it get to Hawai‘i?

It’s possible it was by infected white flies hitchhiking on vegetables imported from the mainland. As usual, farmers will pay the price for this disease. The true cost of importing fruits and vegetables to Hawai‘i is much more than what one pays at the supermarket.

Dear Richard:

Recently, we have found a “new” virus from tomato samples in Maui.

As far as I know, this is the most devastating tomato virus worldwide! It has been reported in many other countries including the mainland USA.  However, this is the first time we have seen it in Hawaii. Potentially, it could be a very significant problem for you and the entire tomato industry in Hawaii.  Plus, we may have similar viruses in other vegetable crops in Hawaii.

Please see the attached two files for the background information regarding the virus, the impact, and potential management options.

I have talked to Dr. C.Y. Hu and Dr. P. Lai, who is in charge of our T-STAR program in CTAHR.

Both of them are very concerned about this new potential problem for our tomato growers and are very much in support to work on it!

Read more about the disease here:

Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl 1

Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl 2

Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl 3

At the farm we will scout specifically for plants with these types of symptoms. But we are very worried that this disease will come to the Big Island. The history of invasive species makes it likely that this disease will get here.