Epidemics of tomato spotted wilt, incited by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), which is the type member of tospovirus genus, have occurred throughout the region on vegetables, field and ornamental crops. Species of thrips in the southeastern USA, including the introduced western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), are pests of agronomic, vegetable, fruit, and ornamental plants. TSWV vectored by thrips have emerged during the last two decades as major threats to agriculture, especially on tomatoes in the southeastern US. Producers responded to these threats by the use of calendar sprays of broad-spectrum insecticides which are frequently targeted against the non-damaging, non-vector species of 'flower thrips'.  Further, insecticidal control of the vector thrips species is not effective in preventing epidemics of tomato spotted wilt. Producers of these and other crops in North Florida suffer an average 10-40% economic loss. Integrated pest management programs that rely on a highly UV reflective mulch, a systemic acquired resistance (SAR) inducer (Actigard, Syngenta Inc., NC), and reduced-risk pesticides were developed that are effective in preventing damage. These programs were developed from research conducted at the North Florida Research and Education Center that focused on the biology and epidemiology of TSWV and trips, and the efficacy and economics of pest management tactics.  The TSWV/thrips team at the North Florida Research and Education Center includes Tim Momol (plant pathologist), Steve Olson (vegetable specialist) and Joe Funderburk (entomologist). The program on tomato, which includes UV-reflective mulch, Actigard, and reduced-risk insecticides, is being implemented throughout the southeastern US. [Momol, Funderburk, Olson]

Tomato spotted wilt symptoms on tomato leaves.

Tomato spotted wilt symptoms on tomato fruit.

Links:                                                                                                                        

Thrips Biology and Management   http://thrips.ifas.ufl.edu

The Complete Tospovirus Resource Page   http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/tospovirus/

Web North Florida Research and Education Center

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