Project Number: 6618-22000-039-18
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jul 01, 2011
End Date: Jun 30, 2016

Objective:
1. Determine and compare acquisition and transmission characteristics and efficiencies of whitefly- and thrips-transmitted vegetable viruses including Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV) and Groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV), respectively. 2. Analyze feeding behavior with electrical penetration graph (EPG) monitoring to determine when during feeding process the viruses are transmitted. 3. Develop and determine effect of vector management strategies on virus transmission.

Approach:
Laboratory, growth chamber and greenhouse experiments will be used with whole plants and leaf discs to determine and compare acquisition and transmission efficiencies for SqVYV and GRSV. These experiments will show how similar (or different) SqVYV and GRSV transmission is by their respective vector, and thus the likelihood of a single, common management strategy being effective for control of both viruses. Multiple species of thrips will be examined for their ability to transmit GRSV to determine which are likely the key vector species. EPG monitoring will be used to analyze feeding behavior. Vector management strategies will be developed for the key vector species and tested for their effect on virus transmission. Such strategies will include repellants, oils and insecticides.