Project Number: 6618-22000-039-11
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Sep 01, 2011
End Date: Aug 31, 2013

Objective:
To characterize crop and weed hosts, geographic range and insect vectors of Groundnut ringspot virus to facilitate development of better management options for this newly emerging virus infecting vegetables including tomato.

Approach:
The nucleic acid-based diagnostic test for Groundnut ringspot virus previously developed by ARS Scientists will be used to analyze natural and/or experimental plant hosts (crops and weeds) for this virus to develop a host and geographic range for the virus. Locally important thrips species will be analyzed for their ability to transmit the virus. The information generated from this research should be useful to USDA-NIFA, fresh-market vegetable growers, the specialty crop industry, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, private crop consultants and FDACS to guide development of management strategies for this newly emerging virus.