Pepper, Eggplant: Curly top (Western yellow blight)

categories: Pepper, Eggplant Pepper, Eggplant Diseases Vegetables

revision date: 2022-12-07 12:00

Curly top virus symptoms on bean.
Curly top virus symptoms on bean
Photo by: G.Q. Pelter

Biology

Curly top is caused by a virus transmitted by the beet leafhopper. Many crops are affected, including tomato, bean, squash, cucumber, and pepper. Typical symptoms of the disease include puckering and downward curling of leaves, followed by a general yellowing of the plant and death of young plants. Older plants are yellowed and dwarfed. Leaves are thicker than normal and brittle in texture. The virus is also found in annual flowers and weeds.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

  • Pull out and destroy infected plants.
  • Control of beet leafhoppers is ineffective for preventing curly top.
  • Since leafhoppers avoid feeding on shaded plants, shading plants (particularly when young) may help prevent infection.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

  • None recommended.

Additional Images