2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): 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. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): 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. 3.Progress Report: This report is related to inhouse project objectives 2: Develop/refine rapid, sensitive reliable detection/sampling methods for pathogens, and 3: Develop or improve comprehensive integrated disease management strategies. Survey to determine geographic distribution of Groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV) in tomato in major southeast U.S. production areas (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia) and in vegetable transplant houses is ongoing. Thrips are also being sampled from these areas to help elucidate the role of local thrips populations in spread of GRSV. Resistant tomato cultivars are being tested for use in GRSV management. GRSV and thrips updates were provided to extension personnel via an in-service training and to vegetable growers via a field day. Collectively these results represent substantial progress in project efforts to define geographic range of GRSV and determine likely means of spread.