Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is a plant virus that primarily infects species in the Solanaceae family, including tobacco and tomatoes. It is known for causing mottled or mosaic-like patterns on the leaves, which can lead to stunted growth and reduced crop yields. TMV is highly stable and can survive in dried plant material for long periods, making it easy to spread. The virus is transmitted through mechanical means, such as handling infected plants or using contaminated tools. Once a plant is infected, there is no cure, so prevention through good agricultural practices, like crop rotation and sanitation, is essential to manage TMV outbreaks.