Author
Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2003 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The appearance of Tomato spotted wilt virus and related tospoviruses and increasing populations of their thrips vectors resulted in a re-emergence of this group of viruses in the late 1980's and early 1990's and was followed by economically important losses in vegetable, ornamental and agronomic crops worldwide which continue to this day. Once thought to be the sole member of the tomato spotted wilt virus group of plant viruses, TSWV is currently recognized as the type member of the genus Tospovirus (that includes Impatiens necrotic spot virus, Watermelon silver mottle virus and Peanut bud necrosis virus) in the family Bunyaviridae. In addition to diversity between tospovirus species, there is also variability within a single tospovirus species. For instance, a wide range of TSWV symptoms is observed on tomato and includes necrotic ring and line patterns, necrotic spots, leaf rolling and leaf bronzing/purpling. This variability in symptoms may reflect diversity in the virus population. Thus, a preliminary study of the TSWV population in Florida was initiated to examine its diversity. A better understanding of the TSWV population structure will aid development of rational disease management strategies. |