Interactions between Frankliniella fusca (Thysanoptera:Thripidae) and Tomato spotted wilt virus in the peanut pathosystem

Abstract

This research investigated interactions between tobacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) and Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in the peanut pathosystem. First objective optimized a thrips-mediated transmission protocol. Incidence of TSWV infection in plants increased with thrips density. Thrips-mediated inoculation was more efficient than mechanical inoculation. Further, younger plants were more susceptible to TSWV and accumulated greater TSWV titers than older plants. Second objective investigated effects of resistant genotypes on TSWV and F. fusca. Resistant genotypes were equally susceptible to TSWV and accumulated substantial TSWV titers. Genotypes had minor effects on thrips biology but not on size. Third objective assessed effects of TSWV on F. fusca. TSWV infection in plants and in thrips did not affect their settling but influenced feeding behavior and oviposition efficiency. Further, TSWV infection in thrips as well as in plants adversely affected thrips biology. TSWV infection also increased free amino acids levels in plants.