Project Number: 6618-22000-039-21
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jan 01, 2012
End Date: Jan 31, 2014

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

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 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 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.