Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus occurs in Louisiana (US)
Since tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV - potential EPPO A2 quarantine pest) has been identified in Louisiana (US) in 1972, it has become a serious problem on several solanaceous crops. Though exact data is not available for capsicum and tobacco, surveys have shown that the incidence of TSWV in commercial tomato fields has averaged 10 to 30 %, and currently TSWV is the most important limiting factor of tomato production in Louisiana. Studies have demonstrated that TSWV can overwinter in Louisiana and natural virus infections have been detected in 3 winter weeds: Ranunculus sardous, Lactuca floridana and Sonchus asper. In addition, Frankliniella fusca adults collected from Ranunculus spp. were able to transmit TSWV to tomato. Other vector thrips species were not detected in association with these weed species during winter and spring. The authors concluded that this study indicates that, in Louisiana, Frankliniella fusca is an important vector of TSWV. The EPPO Secretariat had previously no information on the status of TSWV in Louisiana.
Sources
Johnson, R.R.; Black, L.L.; Hobbs, H.A.; Valverde, R.A.; Story, R.N.; Bond, W.P. (1995) Association of Frankliniella fusca and three winter weeds with tomato spotted wilt virus in Louisiana.
Plant Disease, 79(6), 572-576.