TSWV affects my garden every year and has done so since 2003. It is endemic throughout the SouthEast U.S. and also along most of the Atlantic coast. Infection in the MidWest has been reported in the last few years.
It is obvious from this that incorporation of the S5 gene into some of the heirloom cultivars would be desirable.
The major issue with S5 is that it is linked to several undesirable genes. This linkage has only recently been broken to some extent with resulting releases of varieties such as Amelia and Health Kick. I would suggest making a simple cross of Amelia with some of the larger and better flavored heirlooms. Brandywine, Daniels, Cherokee Purple, etc would be good starters.
The initial cross should be followed with backcrosses to the heirloom parent once confirmed tolerant lines are available. It is simple to test a plant for tolerance. all you need is an infected plant and a knife. slice off a sprig from the infected plant and make small notches in healthy plants, then rub the cut sprig in the wound.
DarJones
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