Leaves on plants infected with Tomato bushy stunt virus are small in size, cupped, and curled downward. The youngest leaves are twisted and exhibit tip necrosis. A proliferation of lateral shoots leads to an overall bushy appearance. Lower leaves are chlorotic with a purple tinge. Plants may be stunted. Fruit yield is greatly reduced.
There is no known vector of Tomato bushy stunt virus, although virus incidence is often associated with the soil and may be spread with irrigation water. Tomato bushy stunt virus apparently gains entry to host plants through wounds in damaged root cells. In California, tomato bushy stunt decline is limited to the Imperial Valley.
