Curly top virus or something else?

[TheLoneGardener]

I have a couple tomato plants with the top new growth that is coming in all curled up (stem and all. Not just the leaves). From the pictures I’ve seen it doesn’t look like curly top, but a deformity of the branches itself. I just want to make sure before I pull them.

 

[Chuck]

I have a couple tomato plants with the top new growth that is coming in all curled up (stem and all. Not just the leaves). From the pictures I’ve seen it doesn’t look like curly top, but a deformity of the branches itself. I just want to make sure before I pull them.

I think you forgot pictures

 

[Tetters]

Welcome to the forums @TheLoneGardener. It may be a good idea if you could upload some photos of the problem, and then someone could help.
Ha! Chuck just pipped me to the post

 

[TheLoneGardener]

 

[TheLoneGardener]

On both plants I can see very slight purple near the leaves which is a sign of fertilizer deficiency, but am not sure if that would cause the stems to grow in super curled up like that.

 

[Chuck]

View attachment 97194

I don't think it is curly top. Have you had hot dry weather, low humidity?

 

[TheLoneGardener]

Yes, where I live it is usually 90-100 degrees with very low humidity.

 

[Chuck]

On both plants I can see very slight purple near the leaves which is a sign of fertilizer deficiency, but am not sure if that would cause the stems to grow in super curled up like that.

Are the veins on the bottom of the leaves turning a purplish color?

Yes, where I live it is usually 90-100 degrees with very low humidity.

This is the main reason this happens. The plant looks too good to have curly top and curly top usually does not twist the stems. Move it into the shade during the heat of the day for a week or two and see if it doesn't perk up

 

[TheLoneGardener]

Veins on the bottom are great, no purple. I’ll throw some fertilizer on it tonight and move it into the shade tomorrow. I appreciate your help!

 

[Chuck]

What are your nighttime low temperatures and is that plant a cherry variety?

Veins on the bottom are great, no purple. I’ll throw some fertilizer on it tonight and move it into the shade tomorrow. I appreciate your help!

DO NOT fertilize a stressed plant.

 

[TheLoneGardener]

Okay, how long should I wait to fertilize?

 

[Chuck]

Okay, how long should I wait to fertilize?

Wait about a week with the plant in shade during the heat of the day.

 

[TheLoneGardener]

Okay, awesome. Thank you.