Harnessing thrips vectors to monitor pathogenic viruses affecting California lettuce

Authors: Hasegawa, Daniel; Husein, Deena; ACHHAMI, BUDDHI - University Of California; Zhang, Shulu; Hladky, Laura; GRETTENBERGER, IAN - University Of California

Submitted to: American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/5/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Since 2019, Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV; genus Orthotospovirus, family Tospoviridae) has caused significant economic losses of over hundreds of millions of dollars in lettuce production throughout the Salinas Valley in California. INSV is transmitted by the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, a minute and polyphagous insect pest that is ubiquitous in the region and throughout much of the United States. Effective vector monitoring strategies are critical for understanding the seasonal distribution, risk assessment, and guiding management practices. However, current methods for monitoring thrips in the Salinas Valley rely on the use of sticky cards, which are labor-intensive, capture many non-target insects, and are not conducive for large-scale testing to identify viruliferous thrips populations. In our study, we describe our ongoing research efforts to create a new thrips trap, which aims to, 1) maximize our capture rate while, 2) reducing non-target insect bycatch, and 3) allow for large-scale and rapid testing to identify thrips populations that are infected with INSV. We will discuss these results and how our findings offer insight into enhancing existing surveillance strategies and creates novel approaches for the early detection of insect-transmitted viruses in agricultural settings.