The First Report of Tomato spotted wilt virus on Gerbera and Chrysanthemun in Venezuela

Complete Genome Sequence of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, a South Korean Isolate from Gerbera jamesonii

The genome sequence of Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) isolated from gerbera was determined. The genome consists of L, M, and S segments containing 8,920, 4,775, and 2,970 nucleotides, respectively. BLASTn analysis showed respective identities of 99.84%, 99.71%, and 99.50% with another Korean isolate, GS, from pepper.

A global invasion by the thrip, Frankliniella occidentalis: Current virus vector status and its management

Western flower thrip, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is among the most economically important agricultural pests globally, attacking a wide range of vegetable and horticultural crops. In addition to causing extensive crop damage, the species is notorious for vectoring destructive plant viruses, mainly belonging to the genera Orthotospovirus, Ilarvirus, Alphacarmovirus and Machlomovirus. Once infected by orthotospoviruses, thrips can remain virulent throughout their lifespan and continue transmitting viruses to host plants when and wherever they feed. These irruptive viral outbreaks in crops will permanently disrupt functional integrated pest management systems, and typically require a remedial treatment involving insecticides, contributing to further development of insecticide resistance. To mitigate against this continuing cycle, the most effective management is early and comprehensive surveillance of the pest species and recognition of plant viruses in the field. This review provides information on the pest status of F. occidentalis, discusses the current global status of the viruses vectored by this thrip species, examines the mechanisms involved in transmitting virus-induced diseases by thrips, and reviews different management strategies, highlighting the potential management tactics developed for various cropping systems. The early surveillance and the utilization of potential methods for control of both F. occidentalis and viruses are proposed.