ARS | Publication request: The interactions of Tropical soda apple mosaic tobamovirus and Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), an introduced biological control agent of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum)

Submitted to: Biological Control
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: October 29, 2008
Publication Date: January 1, 2009
Citation: Overholt, W., Markle, L., Rosskopf, E.N., Manrique, V., Albano, J.P., Cave, E., Adkins, S.T. 2009. The interactions of Tropical soda apple mosaic tobamovirus and Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), an introduced biological control agent of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum). Biological Control. 48:294-300.

Interpretive Summary: This report presents the interaction of Tropical soda apple mosaic virus (TSAMV) and the biological control beetle, Gratiana boliviana, on tropical soda apple. TSAMV was recently detected in Florida. This research offers insight into the potential impact of TSAMV infection on the effectiveness of G. boliviana for biological control of tropical soda apple.

Technical Abstract: Tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum Dunal (Solanaceae) (TSA) is a South American invasive plant of rangelands, pastures and natural areas in Florida. A chrysomelid beetle from South America, Gratiana boliviana Spaeth, has been released at >300 locations in Florida for biological control of TSA since 2003. TSA is a host of several plant viruses, including the newly described Tropical soda apple mosaic virus (TSAMV). We investigated the influence of TSAMV infection of TSA plants on developmental time, leaf tissue consumption, longevity, fecundity and feeding preference of G. boliviana, and also tested transmission of the virus by the beetle. The potential impacts of TSAMV infection on the effectiveness of G. boliviana as a biological control agent are discussed.