Project Number: 6615-22000-026-11
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Dec 14, 2011
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:
Florida is home to a number of invasive and native thrips species (at least eight) that have been implicated in the transmission of other viruses related to Groundnut Ringspot Virus (GRSV). It is unknown which other thrips species are capable of transmitting GRSV. Therefore, locally important thrips species will be analyzed and compared for their ability to transmit the GRSV. 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. The information generated from this research will be useful to fresh-market vegetable growers, the specialty crop industry, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, private crop consultants and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to guide development of management strategies for this newly emerging virus.