Importance and epidemiology of tomato spotted wilt virus

Abstract

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is the most economically important plant viruses from genus Tospovirus. It has a polyphagous character and infects a wide range of very significant agricultural crops. Vectors of viruses are insects from order Thysanoptera (Thripidae) and till know eight species are known to transmit tospoviruses of which Frankliniella occidentalis is considered to be economically most important vector. TSWV is transmitted by thrips in a persistent and propagative manner. Relationship between vector and TSWV is very specific because vectors acquire the virus in the larval stages, while imago plays a key role in transmission of the virus. TSWV causes wide range of symptoms depending on host plant, external environmental conditions and type of viruses. In addition to affecting the fruit quality of cultivated crops, greatly reduces the yield to agricultural producers. Tomato is the most commonly attacked by TSWV, and after the symptoms manifested on leaves in the form of a bronze color, the virus was name. Protection of agricultural crops is very challenging and difficult due to wide distribution of viruse vectors, their hidden way of life as well as wide range of TSWV hosts.