Propagation of tomato spotted wilt virus in Frankliniella occidentalis does neither result in pathological effects nor in transovarial passage of the virus

Abstract

The effect of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) on Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) following a 6-hour acquisition access period on infected plants was investigated. No statistically significant differences were observed among viruliferous, non- viruliferous and control thrips with respect to developmental time, reproduction rate and survival. Thrips larvae, exposed or non-exposed to TSWV, developed from egg to adult in 13.1 and 13.2 days, respectively. Exposed females produced an average of 28.3 larvae whereas control thrips produced 22.3 larvae and longevity was 13.4 and 12.5 days, respectively. None of these values were significantly different. Population reproductive statistics, net reproductive rate (R0), mean generation time (T) and intrinsic rate of increase (r(m)) were calculated from the life fertility tables. R0 and r(m) were higher for viruliferous thrips as compared to non- viruliferous and non-exposed thrips. Virus transmission studies revealed that viruliferous thrips were able to transmit virus until death and that TSWV was not transovarially transmitted.