New hosts for tomato spotted wilt virus
In Ontario, Canada, tomato spotted wilt virus (EPPO A1 organism) has become increasingly important in glasshouse crops. Its vector Frankliniella occidentalis (EPPO A2 organism) is considered the predominant thrips species of glasshouses in Ontario and has been found on ornamentals bordering glasshouses. Fears that one or more biotypes of F. occidentalis might adapt to Ontario field conditions, as has occurred in British Columbia, and transmit the virus to cultivated outdoor crops has led to studies to determine the susceptibility of outdoor crops and weeds to tomato spotted wilt virus and F. occidentalis.
Of 302 native plant species tested, 113 species representing 35 families were susceptible to tomato spotted wilt virus, of which 62 are reported for the first time as hosts of the virus. Eighty six percent of the species tested were ovipository hosts for F. occidentalis.
Sources
Stobbs, L.W.; Broadbent, A.B.; Allen, W.R.; Stirling, A.L. (1992) Transmission of tomato spotted wilt virus by the Western Flower Thrips to weeds and native plants found in Southern Ontario.
Plant Disease 76, 23-29.