Can Aleurotrachelus trachoides Back Acquire and Transmit Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus?

Authors: McKenzie, Cindy; OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida; POLSTON, JANE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2019
Publication Date: 11/17/2019
Citation: Mcenzie, C.L., Osborne, L., Polston, J. 2019. Can Aleurotrachelus trachoides Back Acquire and Transmit Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus? [abstract]. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting. D#3397.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Native to the Neotropical region, Aleurotrachelus trachoides Back, commonly known as the solanum or pepper whitefly, is an emerging pest of pepper and many other horticultural crops in the United States. Feeding by this pest can cause stress to the plant by removing nutrients and water and the sheer numbers of whitefly can bring down plants and cause death. It has been in the United States for more than five decades as an intermittent pest of pepper although and until recently, was never considered a key pest of economic importance. However, in the past few years, it has it has spread from private residences, nurseries and vegetable growers (including tomato) with concomitant damage has been reported throughout Florida. Aleurotrachelus trachoides is not a known vector of any plant viruses, but to reassure tomato growers we conducted acquisition and transmission experiments with tomato yellow leaf curl virus. The data is summarized and presented in the poster.