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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Salinas, California » Crop Improvement and Protection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #419192
Research Project: Biological and Biotechnological Approaches for Management of Insect Vectors and Vector-borne Viruses Affecting Vegetable Crops

Location: Crop Improvement and Protection Research

Title: Challenges and opportunities: Improving the management of thrips-transmitted viruses driving epidemics in California lettuce

Author
item Hasegawa, Daniel
item Hladky, Laura
item SMITH, RICHARD - University Of California - Cooperative Extension Service

Submitted to: International Congress of Entomology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Salinas Valley of California is the largest lettuce producing region in the United States and is valued at over $1 billion U.S. dollars annually. However, in recent years, impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), a thrips-transmitted virus, has emerged as a primary challenge for the industry. Chemical control has been insufficient for managing the thrips vector, Frankliniella occidentalis and genetic-based resistance to the virus remains unavailable in commercial lettuce cultivars. Both the vector and virus have an extensive host range of plants that are present in the Salinas Valley throughout the year, creating management challenges that require coordinated area-wide efforts. Here, we provide an overview of current research that seeks to, 1) understand the epidemiology of the vector and virus, 2) develop cultural management strategies, and 3) create new surveillance tools for monitoring thrips and thrips-transmitted viruses. The research is a collaborative effort among researchers, industry members, and regulatory agencies working together to develop integrated pest management solutions for thrips and thrips-transmitted viruses affecting lettuce in California.