Tobacco Streak Virus (TSV) is a member of the Ilarvirus Genus, which infects a wide range of vegetables, oilseeds and legumes and was recently detected in cannabis as well (Chiginsky et al., 2021). The virus is spread by a variety of means, including infected plant material, contaminated tools and equipment, and insect vectors such as thrips. It can also be spread through seeds and pollen of some plant species.
The symptoms of TSV infection in tobacco plants include leaf chlorosis, mosaicism and black streaks near the veins. Severity of infection has been observed to intensify at higher temperatures, with more intensive infection seen at 30°C compared to 20°C, for example (Lima and Viana, 2015). In some species, symptoms may disappear after a while, but lasting impacts of the infection can still affect overall plant growth and yield. In other species, the infection can be more severe and eventually kill the plant. For cannabis, outdoor crops are likely most susceptible to severe infection due to higher possible temperatures in the environment, and the presence of adjacent weeds and crops that could harbour the virus.
To prevent the spread of TSV, cultivators should take a multi-faceted approach that includes starting with healthy plants derived from meristematic tissue culture, implementing proper hygiene practices, monitoring for symptoms, and controlling insect pests. If symptoms appear, having a sample tested at a plant pathogen diagnostics lab is the best way to determine the potential cause, and can help to implement an appropriate response.
In conclusion, TSV could be a serious threat to the cannabis industry and have a significant impact on cultivators' crop yields and profitability. Early detection and diagnosis of the virus are key to preventing its spread, and there are several control strategies that cultivators can use to reduce its impact on their crops. By taking a multi-faceted approach that includes proper hygiene practices, monitoring for symptoms, and using disease-free tissue culture plants, cultivators can help ensure the health and productivity of their crops and maintain their competitiveness in the cannabis market.
References
Chiginsky J, Langemeier K, MacWilliams J, Albrecht T, Cranshaw W, Fulladolsa AC, Kapuscinski M, Stenglein M and Nachappa P (2021) First insights into the virus and viroid communities in hemp (Cannabis sativa). Front. Agron., 3:778433.
Lima T and Viana F (2015) Chapter 26: Tobacco Streak Virus, in Field Guide to Integrated Pest Management, pp. 50-53.
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