031 010 14126

IXth International Symposium on Thysanoptera and Tospoviruses
Authors: Denis Persley, Calum Wilson, John Thomas, Murray Sharman, Desley Tree, et. al.
Source: Journal of Insect Science, 10(166) : 1-58
Published By: Entomological Society of America
URL: https://doi.org/10.1673/031.010.14126
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Journal of Insect Science: Vol. 10 | Article 166 Thysanoptera and Tospoviruses
IXth International Symposium on Thysanoptera and

Tospoviruses
31st August – 4th September 2009, Sea World Resort, Queensland, Australia
Denis Persley1a, Calum Wilson2b, John Thomas1c, Murray Sharman1d, and Desley Tree1e
1Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, 80 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Queensland 4068.
2TasmanianInstitute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, New Town Research Laboratories, 13 St Johns
Avenue, New Town, Tasmania 7008, Australia.
Correspondence: a denis.persley@deedi.qld.gov.au, b Calum.Wilson@utas.edu.au c john.thomas@deedi.qld.gov.au,

d murray.sharman@deedi.qld.gov.au, e desley.tree@deedi.qld.gov.au
Published: 1 October 2010

Copyright : This is an open access paper. We use the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license that permits
unrestricted use, provided that the paper is properly attributed.
ISSN: 1536-2442 | Vol. 10, Number 166
Cite this paper as:
Persley D, Wilson C, Thomas J, Sharman M, Tree D. 2010. IXth International Symposium on Thysanoptera and
Tospoviruses, 31 August – 4 September, 2009. Journal of Insect Science 10:166 available online: insectscience.org/10.166
Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 1
IPM CRSP project on tospoviruses tomatoes and chilli peppers, and Peanut
and thrips vectors in South and bud necrosis virus in peanuts. Major thrips
Southeast Asia species identified in India from tomatoes,
chilli peppers and onions include Thrips
Scott Adkins1*, Gandhi Karthikeyan2, Tri palmi, T. tabaci, Frankliniella schultzei,
Damayanthi3, Gopinath Kodetham4, David J. Riley5 Scirtothrips dorsalis and T. hawaiiensis.
and Rayapati A. Naidu6
The first four thrips species are known
1
USDA-ARS, Fort Pierce, FL vectors of tospoviruses. Although T. palmi
2
Department of Plant Pathology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural is native to Indonesia, the status of other
University, Coimbatore, India
3
Department of Plant Protection, Bogor Agricultural
vector thrips species in the country is not
University, Darmaga Campus Bogor, Indonesia yet clear. Diagnostic methods for the
4
Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, accurate detection of these viruses in
Hyderabad, India
5
Department of Entomology, The University of Georgia,
vegetable crops have been developed. The
Tifton, GA project has also contributed to institutional
6
Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State capacity building within developing
University, Prosser, WA, USA
*Correspondence: Scott.Adkins@ars.usda.gov
countries for conducting research on
tospovirus diseases through graduate
Diseases caused by tospoviruses have education and short- and medium-term
become a major threat to a broad range of training programs.
agricultural and horticultural crops. To date,
seventeen different tospoviruses have been Heliothrips sylvanus Faure
characterised and twelve thrips species have (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
been identified as vectors of these viruses. confirmed as a potential economic
Management of diseases caused by pest of sweet and astringent
tospoviruses has become a challenge for persimmon in South Africa
sustainable production of vegetables in
Elleunorah Allsopp* and Muriel C. Knipe
smallholder farming systems of South and
Southeast Asia due to the broad host range ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij (Fruit, Vine & Wine Institute
of thrips and tospoviruses, overlapping of the Agricultural Research Council), Private Bag X5026,
Stellenbosch, 7599 South Africa
cropping practices, indiscriminate use of *Correspondence: allsoppe@arc.agric.za
insecticides resulting in vector thrips
developing insecticide resistance. The Heliothrips sylvanus Faure is native to
Integrated Pest Management-Collaborative southern Africa and has been listed as a pest
Research and Support Program (IPM on guavas, hence the common name of
CRSP) funded by USAID has initiated guava thrips. Injury to guavas is mostly
multi-disciplinary, system-wide research limited to scarring of leaves, although
and technology transfer programs for a occasional scarring of fruit has been
comprehensive development strategy to reported. H. sylvanus also occurs on table
mitigate the impact of tospovirus diseases grapes in the Western Cape Province. It
in smallholder agriculture in the region. apparently prefers older, mature vine leaves
Current research has focused on India and and although it causes extensive feeding
Indonesia. Tospoviruses present in India damage to these leaves, no damage to grape
include Peanut bud necrosis virus in berries has been recorded. Because H.
vegetables and legumes, Capsicum sylvanus populations peak towards the end
chlorosis virus in tomatoes and chilli of summer after most table grapes have
peppers, Watermelon bud necrosis virus in been harvested, it is not considered to be of
melons, and Iris yellow spot virus in onions. economic importance. In May 2007 severe
Tospoviruses identified in Indonesia insect damage to astringent persimmons
include Tomato spotted wilt virus in

(var. Triumph, also known as Sharon fruit) Besides thrips, there is no evidence of virus
was reported from a farm in the Hex River transmission through seed. Hence, infected
Valley, Western Cape Province. Thrips plants and viruliferous thrips are the
collected from this persimmon orchard and primary source and means of virus spread.
adjacent table grape vines were identified as There are limited options available for
H. sylvanus. Feeding damage on the fruit managing IYSV outbreaks. The ability to
could, however, not be conclusively rapidly and accurately detect IYSV in thrips
ascribed to H. sylvanus. Groups of 10 vectors for the purpose of estimation of the
immature and adult H. sylvanus from the proportion of viruliferous thrips
affected persimmon orchard were confined (=transmitters) from the field could
on either green or ripening undamaged fruit potentially provide information that would
of both astringent (var. Triumph) and sweet be useful in more effective thrips
persimmon (var. Fuyugaki) in individual management practices. A polyclonal
cages in an insectary. After five days, antiserum was produced to the recombinant,
feeding damage by immature and adult H. E. coli-expressed nonstructural protein
sylvanus to green and ripening fruit of both (NSs) coded by the small (S) RNA of
astringent and sweet persimmons was IYSV. The recombinant fusion protein was
clearly visible with the naked eye under the obtained in the insoluble fraction, purified
sepals and around the bottom ends of the using a nickel column, and was used in
fruit where they rested on the cage bottom. immunization to produce a high-titred
Examination under a stereo microscope polyclonal antiserum in rabbits. When used
confirmed that the thrips were feeding in in an antigen-coated plate ELISA, the
these areas. These findings confirm that antiserum, diluted up to 1:4,000, could
feeding by H. sylvanus can cause economic detect the virus in a single adult thrips and
damage to persimmon fruit and that it in plants. Availability of antiserum to a
should be regarded as a potential economic non-structural protein of IYSV would be
pest of persimmon. useful in epidemiological studies to better
understand the role of thrips vectors in
A serological assay for the outbreaks of this important virus of onion.
detection of the nonstructural
protein (NSs) of Iris yellow spot Completion of the molecular
virus and its use in virus detection characterisation of Iris yellow spot
in plant and thrips vectors virus (IYSV) genome: Structure
and genome organisation of the
S. Bag1, K.L. Druffel1, S. Rondon2, D.G. Riley3 and large RNA of IYSV
Hanu R. Pappu1*
1 S. Bag, S., K.L. Druffel and Hanu R. Pappu*
Department of Plant Pathology, PO Box 646430,
Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
2 Department of Plant Pathology, PO Box 646430,
Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center,
Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
Oregon State University, Hermiston, OR 97838
3 *Correspondence: hrp@wsu.edu
University of Georgia, Tifton, GA 31793, USA.
*Correspondence: hrp@wsu.edu
The structure and organisation of the large
Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), transmitted (L) RNA of Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV)
by onion thrips Thrips tabaci, is one of the was determined, and with this, the complete
most economically important constraints to genomic sequence of IYSV has been
onion production in United States and is elucidated. The L RNA was 8880
one of the three tospoviruses to occur in the nucleotides in length and contained a single
United States. In the US, as well as on a open reading frame (ORF) in the viral
world-wide basis, an increasing incidence complementary (vc) strand. The primary
of IYSV has been reported in recent years. translation product of 331.17 kDa shared

many of the features of the viral RNA- Capsicum annuum (Serrano pepper),
dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) coded Chenopodium quinoa, Datura innoxia, D.
by L RNAs of known tospoviruses. The 5′ ferox, D. stramonium, Nicotiana
and 3′ termini of IYSV L RNA (vc) contain benthamiana, N. tabacum, Solanum
two untranslated regions of 33 and 226 melongena and Vigna unguiculata
nucleotides, respectively, and both termini (Heirloom variety). Infection was verified
have conserved terminal nucleotides, by symptoms, ELISA and RT-PCR of
another common feature of tospovirus inoculated, and younger, non-inoculated
genomic RNAs. Conserved motifs leaves. In N. benthamiana, chlorotic local
characteristic of RdRps of members of lesions appeared 7 to 10 days post
Bunyaviridae were present in the IYSV inoculation (DPI) which subsequently
RdRp. These included DxxKWS (motif A); expanded leading to drying of leaves by 20-
QGxxxxxSS (motif B); SDD (motif C); K 25 DPI. The virus spread systematically
(motif D); and EFxSE (motif E), showing severe veinal necrosis and some
Furthermore, three motifs TDF (Motif F1); stem necrosis. D. stramonium showed 25-
KxQRTK (Motif F2) and DREIY (Motif 30 small chlorotic local lesions initially of
F3) found in the RdRp of Capsicum 2-5 mm 10 to 12 DPI. The numbers of local
chlorosis virus (CaCV) were also found in lesions gradually increased and spread
the IYSV RdRp. Phylogeny showed that the throughout the leaves within 20-25 days,
RdRp of IYSV is closer to the Eurasian and as the lesions coalesced the leaves dried
group of tospoviruses: Tomato zonate spot 35-40 DPI. Infection remained localised. In
virus from China, Watermelon silver mottle V. unguiculata, symptoms appeared as
virus from Taiwan, CaCV from Thailand diffuse and small necrotic spots in
Groundnut bud necrosis virus from India, inoculated leaves 5 to 6 DPI. Chlorotic and
and Melon yellow spot virus from Japan, necrotic ring spots developed in the
whereas Tomato spotted wilt virus and inoculated leaves of C. annuum, which
Impatiens necrotic spot virus formed a gradually increased in size and C. quinoa
different cluster (American), similar to that produced small concentric chlorotic rings
observed with the medium and small RNAs spots,. Only the inoculated leaves were
of IYSV and other tospoviruses. positive for IYSV in ELISA and RT-PCR,
and no systemic infection could be seen. A.
Symptomatology of Iris yellow spot thaliana COL 1, D. innooxia, D. ferox, N.
virus in selected indicator hosts tabacum and S. melongena were
symptomless and were negative for IYSV
S. Bag and Hanu R. Pappu* when tested by DAS-ELISA. There are no
reports of natural infection of C. annuum by
Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State
University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA IYSV although C. annuum is a host for
*Correspondence: hrp@wsu.edu several other tospoviruses. Our studies
showed that C. annum could be
Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) is an experimentally infected with IYSV.
economically important pathogen of onion
bulb and seed crops. Studies on biological The biological control of onion
characteristics of the virus have been thrips in stored onions
limited due to difficulties in obtaining
consistent and reproducible mechanical Greg J. Baker* and K. Powis
transmission and lack of indicator hosts.
Entomology Unit, South Australian Research and
Several plant species were evaluated for Development Institute, GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA 5001,
their response to mechanical inoculation Australia
with IYSV. The following seedlings were *Correspondence: Greg.Baker@sa.gov.au
used: Arabidopsis thaliana COL 1,

Despite intensive field spray programmes, dathion. KCT have developed tolerance to
harvested onion bulbs in storage on each of these organophosphates, leading to
Australian farms are invariably infested by increased spray frequency and IPM
onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman. disruption. In citrus, KCT is soil pupating.
Onion thrips present in the harvested bulbs Arboreal and ground (surface)-foraging
continue to reproduce and develop in invertebrate predators do not appear to
storage, and onion thrips continue to fly in suppress populations of KCT to
and colonise the onions in the open stored commercially-acceptable levels. However,
sheds. The thrips feeding causes tissue a suite of soil-dwelling predatory mites
scarring and loosening of the outer layers of have been identified as a potentially
the bulb, which in turn cause the onions, effective biological control; where their
particularly red, premium salad types, to be populations are elevated emergence of KCT
downgraded in quality and market value. from the soil is reduced by 50% or greater.
No in-storage control options currently Several of these mite species have been
exist, in Australia or overseas. We report on shown to survive and reproduce on KCT.
a study which investigated the potential for The abundance of the soil-dwelling
inundative release of two commercially- predatory mite populations is positively
available (Biological Services, Loxton, S. correlated with soil organic C levels. The
Aust.) predatory mite species, the potential for manipulation of these mite
phytoseiid Neoseiulus cucumeris populations using various soil amendments,
(Oudemans) and the ascid Hypoaspis to provide greater regulation of KCT, has
aculeifer Canestrini, to limit onion thrips been assessed. Recycled green organics,
damage in stored red onions. The most grape mark and animal manure have been
effective control was achieved using N. applied at several rates to orange trees, and
cucumeris. The effects of rate, method and KCT and beneficial mite densities
timing of N. cucumeris release were measured. The results of these trials will be
assessed, and a cost-effective inundative presented. Interestingly, these soil
method devised using approximately treatments have improved water use
1.6x103 N. cucumeris per tonne of onions efficiency, yield and size of fruit, and the
sprinkled in a vermiculite mix over the top costs of their application are offset in the
of the onion bins at, or soon after, harvest. first year from increased returns
independent of the thrips control benefit.
Conservation biological control of Further, the toxicity of a number of citrus
Kelly’s citrus thrips in Australian insecticides to this complex of soil-dwelling
citrus orchards using soil-dwelling predatory mites has been evaluated to
predatory mites assess their suitability for integrated
management of KCT. Foliar runoff of the
Greg J. Baker* and P. Crisp organophosphates, particularly chlorpyrifos,
is highly toxic and disruptive to these soil
Entomology Unit, South Australian Research and
Development Institute, GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA 5001, predators. A number of newer insecticides
Australia appear to be more benign and better suited
*Correspondence: Greg.Baker@sa.gov.au to an IPM programme based on
conservation of soil predators. These
Kelly’s citrus thrips (KCT), Pezothrips results will also be presented.
kellyanus (Bagnall), feed on citrus fruit,
causing cosmetic blemish and market
downgrade costing the Australian industry
an estimated >$15Mpa. Current control
programmes rely heavily on foliar
application of chlorpyrifos and methi-

Thrips as pests in pome and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)

stonefruit in Western Australia sexual aggregation pheromone
(Thriplineams) on thrips catches
Sonya Broughton (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Catches of
Western Australian Department of Agriculture, Baron-Hay beneficial insects including syrphids
Court, South Perth WA 6151, Australia. (Diptera: Syrphidae), lacewings
*Correspondence: smbroughton@agric.wa.gov.au (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae)
and ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Prior to the accidental introduction of were also evaluated. More thrips were
western flower thrips (Frankliniella attracted to blue, yellow and white sticky
occidentalis (Pergande)) to Australia in traps compared to green, clear, red or black
1993, the native plague thrips (Thrips traps. Blue was most attractive to beneficial
imaginis Bagnall) was most commonly insects, followed by white, red, black,
associated with fruit damage to stone and yellow and green traps. Clear traps were the
pomefruit. Early (apples, plums) and/or late least attractive. Significantly higher
season damage (nectarines) attributed to F. numbers of western flower thrips
occidentalis has been recorded from all (Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande))
states where F. occidentalis occurs, with the were caught on traps baited with
exception of Tasmania. To determine which pheromone. Based on these results, yellow
species of thrips were causing reported traps baited with Thriplineams are
damage; thrips were collected and recommended for potential use in
identified from infested fruit. Different monitoring F. occidentalis.
species of thrips were also caged with
nectarines, plums and apples to determine Effect of insecticides on Orius
what type of damage they caused. Early armatus Gross (Hemiptera:
season damage to apples was caused by F. Anthocoridae)
occidentalis at petal fall and was
characterised by the formation of ‘pansy Sonya Broughton1* and L. Chilman2
spots’. Early season damage to plums was
caused by F. occidentalis and T. imaginis, 1
Western Australian Department of Agriculture, Baron-
Hay Court, South Perth WA 6151; Australia
with observed damage including pansy 2
ManChil IPM Services, PO Box X, Muchea, WA.,
spot, fruit scarring resembling blotches and Australia
corky spots. Late season damage to *Correspondence: smbroughton@agric.wa.gov.au
nectarines was caused primarily by F.
occidentalis. In Australia the native anthocorid, Orius
armatus Gross, is being mass reared for
Evaluation of colour and biological control of western flower thrips
pheromones for monitoring thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)).
(Thysanoptera:Thripidae) in pome Orius armatus is the only Orius species
and stone fruit available to growers in Australia, and feeds
on larval and adult F. occidentalis. The first
Sonya Broughton crop being targeted for O. armatus releases
are glasshouse capsicum (peppers). To
Western Australian Department of Agriculture, Baron-Hay determine the compatibility of insecticides
Court, South Perth WA 6151. Australia.
*Correspondence: smbroughton@agric.wa.gov.au
commonly used by capsicum growers with
O. armatus, we exposed laboratory reared
Three trap trials were conducted in adults to insecticides residues applied to
commercial pome and stone fruit orchards potted capsicum plants in the greenhouse,
to determine the effects of different trap and filter paper in laboratory tests. Insects
base colours and a synthetic version of a

were exposed for 48-hours and mortality *Correspondence: Tony.Burfield@sa.gov.au

determined at 24 and 48 hours.
'Western flower thrips, Frankliniella
Orius armatus - an Australian occidentalis (WFT) and the Tomato spotted
anthocorid predator of Western wilt virus (TSWV) that they transmit is the
flower thrips (Frankliniella major crop protection issue for most
occidentalis) greenhouse growers in Virginia. Capsicums
(sweet peppers) are highly susceptible to
Sonya Broughton*1 and L. Chilman2 TSWV and the most vulnerable crop on the
Northern Adelaide Plains (NAP) followed
1
Western Australian Department of Agriculture, Baron- by lettuces both hydroponic and field. The
Hay Court, South Perth WA 6151
2
ManChil IPM Services, PO Box X, Muchea, WA.
Tsw gene conferring resistance to TSWV
Australia afforded capsicum growers short lived
*Correspondence: smbroughton@agric.wa.gov.au relief in the 2001-02 season, however the
gene was largely overcome by a new strain
The tribe Oriini (Anthocoridae) has a of TSWV that impacted in 2002 (Reference
worldwide distribution but is poorly is Australasian Plant Pathology 35, 123-128
represented in Australia. The largest genus (2006). Pest and virus control is elusive and
is Orius Gross, which has six species: Orius failures are commonly attributed to
armatus Gross, O. chadwicki Woodward & pesticide resistance.
Postle, O. heterorioides Woodward and Vegetable levy funded research and
Postle, Orius tantillus (Motschulsky), O. extension efforts to tackle this issue have
dendrophilus sp. n. and O. gracilis sp. n. Of progressively shifted focus from improving
these, O. armatus is the only species pesticide practices and farm hygiene to
commercially available to Australian transferring newer technologies that
growers. O. armatus has been collected emphasise inundative release of biological
from native and introduced flowering trees control agents. These releases are also
(Acacia spp., eucalypts) and exotic crops being complimented with habitat
including carnation, corn, cotton, sorghum manipulation to replace weeds by using
and sunflower. Its native prey is native plants that do not harbour pests or
Helicoverpa spp. eggs, though adults and crop virus. In addition wild populations of a
nymphs will also feed on aphids (Myzus parasitic wasp (Ceranisus sp.) of WFT have
persicae, Rhopalosiphum maidis) and larval been identified from saltbush plants in
and adult F. occidentalis. The selection of managed refuges adjacent to crops on the
the right crop will be essential for the NAP.
efficient use of O. armatus in Australia. As This progress represents a major
with other Orius species, O. armatus are breakthrough for a region with a high
likely to perform better on crops with concentration of low-tech protected
abundant pollen such as capsicums, and in cropping systems and renowned for its
protected crops rather than field crops. associated WFT and TSWV pressure. Now
there is a real prospect of opening a
Advancing WFT/TSWV control potential (new) market for commercially
using inundative release of reared beneficial organisms to control
beneficials and habitat WFT. Further research is required to build a
manipulation (greenhouse robust knowledge base to underpin these
systems) promising advances.
The presentation summarised encouraging
Tony Burfield IPM research and pest and disease
Extension Officer, South Australian Research and
prevention strategies that are advancing
Development Institute (SARDI) GPO Box 397 Adelaide IPM practices as growers are persuaded to
SA 5001, Australia

change key farm management and or Melon yellow spot virus (MYSV). In
investment decisions. addition, the antibody against tospovirus
group IV did not react with the expressed
Expressed NSs protein of NSs-PKK protein. Our results indicated
Capsicum chlorosis virus and use of that antibody against NSs protein of CaCV
its antibody for species specific is useful for specific CaCV diagnosis.
diagnosis
Molecular characterisation of new
1* 2
Pissawan Chiemsombat Surasak Khankhum and tospoviruses: abundant
Ratchanee Hongprayoon1 accumulation of a dimer of the S
1
segment during multiplication of
Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture at
Khamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University Khamphaeng
the tospovirus Polygonum ringspot
Saen Campus, Nakhonpathom Province, 73140 Thailand virus
2
Department of Biology Faculty of Science
Mahasarakham University Khamrieng Kantarawichai M. Ciuffo and Massimo Turina*
District Mahasarakham Province, 44150, Thailand
*Correspondence: agrpwc@ku.ac.th
Istituto di Virologia Vegetale, Sez. di Torino, CNR, Strada
delle Cacce n73, Torino 10135, Italy
In Thailand Capsicum chlorosis tospovirus *Correspondence: m.turina@ivv.cnr.it
(CaCV) causes severe damage to many
important crops such as peanut, pepper and We have recently reported the isolation of
tomato. The detection of CaCV by ELISA two new tospovirus species (Ciuffo et al.,
is routinely performed using tospovirus 2008; Ciuffo et al., 2009). Melon severe
serogroup IV antibody, but virus species mosaic virus (MeSMV) infects cucurbit
could not be determined. This study aimed crops and has typical tospovirus features. In
to develop a detection tool for specific Mexico it is widespread and causes severe
CaCV diagnosis by using antibody against disease in important agricultural areas.
viral non structural (NSs) protein. NSs Another recently characterised virus,
gene fragment of 1320 nt was amplified by Polygonum ringspot virus (PolRSV), was
RT-PCR from CaCV infected peanut isolated from a common weed (Polygonum
tissues (CaCV-PKK), cloned and convolvulus) in Italy. This new tospovirus
sequenced. The NSs-PKK gene coded for is widespread, and has a wide experimental
439 amino acid residues and showed about host range, but it has not yet entered
85-90 % identities to NSs proteins of economically important crops because its
CaCV-AIT from Thailand CaCV-CP isolate vector, a newly discovered thrips vectoring
from China and Gloxinia tospovirus. In tospoviruses, does not feed on these.
vitro expression of NSs protein yielded PolRSV has some interesting features that
approximately 2.98 mg/ml of 50 kDa separate it from other tospoviruses. The
polypeptides and the protein was intergenic sequence of the small (S)
subsequently used as immunogen for genome segment is unusually short, and its
producing polyclonal antibody in a rabbit. predicted secondary structure does not
Obtained CaCV-NSs antiserum has titre at display the hairpin structure typical of other
approx. 6x104 against 3 µg of the purified tospoviruses. Lack of this hairpin would
6XHis-NSs protein by ELISA. The dilution require a mechanism for generating the
endpoint when tested with crude sap of subgenomic messenger RNA different from
CaCV infected peanut was 10-3 in that of other tospoviruses. A second
phosphate buffer. This NSs antiserum surprise is that in Northern blots of RNA
reacted specifically to CaCV in infected extracts from N. benthamiana plants, the
peanut, pepper and tomato, while it did not most abundant RNA species hybridizing
react to plants infected by serogroup IV- with different S segment-derived probes is a
Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV) band of circa 4.5 kb. This RNA is not

present in purified virus from the same N. level, emphasising a continuing role for
benthamiana plants, where the expected S taxonomic interpretation. For example,
genome segment is instead present. The suggestions from COI data of a possible
sequence of the ‘aberrant’ RNA showed cryptic species within Thrips palmi were
that it is composed of a full length S supported neither by data from other loci,
segment joined covalently to a second S nor by contextual consideration of the
segment that lacks the first 300 bases at its source material. By contrast, two long-
5’ end. We developed a qRT-PCR assay established species, Thrips fuscipennis and
using a specific Taqman probe for this T. sambuci, could not be separated using
dimer. We show that it accumulates in COI data, albeit with limited material. For
various solanaceous experimental hosts, successful species discrimination,
although we could not demonstrate its segregates based on ‘barcode gaps’, or the
accumulation in infected thrips. absences thereof, need to relate to
groupings of real biological significance,
The use of molecular technology but may themselves be defined by
for quarantine thrips insufficient sampling of species and
identification: brave new world? populations, or other factors. Conversely,
they may simply disagree with an incorrect
Dom W. Collins*, R. Glover and N. Boonham historical taxonomy. For a quarantine
diagnostician DNA-sequencing, used
The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand
Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ, UK carefully and in conjunction with
*Correspondence: dom.collins@fera.gsi.gov.uk morphological and biological analysis,
offers the possibility of a significant
The ongoing development of molecular increase in species resolution across all life
technology offers tools of ever-increasing stages and an ever-increasing range of taxa.
speed and scope that can be utilised by
quarantine diagnostic laboratories. There is Too hot to smell? Effect of
current interest in moving from indirect temperature on response of
assays such as real-time PCR, often Frankliniella occidentalis to
targeted at specific taxa, to direct chemical lures
sequencing techniques (DNA barcoding).
This offers a broader approach, continually Melanie Davidson, R. Butler, C. Sansom, N. Perry
and D. Teulon*
building up a reference database into which Plant & Food Research, Private Bag 4704, Lincoln,
an increasing number of species may be Christchurch, New Zealand
inserted, which is attractive not least when *Correspondence: teulond@crop.cri.nz
the logistical possibilities being opened up
with next generation sequencing are also We have indications from the use of thrips
considered. Laboratory work has suggested chemical lures in commercial greenhouses
that the Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene that these work less well at higher
is a suitable locus for discriminating temperatures. Therefore, we examined the
between species of Thrips and for other effect of temperature (25 and 35 °C) on the
Thripidae. Work to build up a reference walking response of starved Frankliniella
database of thrips species is on-going, occidentalis (Western flower thrips WFT)
primarily from UK field-collected females toward known thrips chemical lures
populations and material from import (p-anisaldehyde, methyl isonicotinate)
inspections. Blind tests on the extracted using a Y-tube olfactometer. At 25 °C,
DNA using the program MOTU-define significantly more thrips walked up the
produced close, but not perfect, correlation odour-laden arm (i.e. attractive) towards p-
between morphological and molecular anisaldehyde at doses of 0.1 and 5 µl (73,
determination of segregates at the specific 65% respectively), but not at the other

doses tested (1, 25, 125 µl). At 35 °C p- host and parasite are closely related, e.g. in
anisaldehyde was not attractive at any of ants. Here, however, the interacting species
the doses tested. At 25 °C methyl do not seem to be sister taxa.
isonicotinate was significantly attractive to While the species have been investigated
WFT at doses of 0.1 to 625 µl, whereas at from biological and phylogenetic points of
35 °C only 0.1 µl was attractive. The results view, an integrated, interdisciplinary
are discussed in relation to the potential understanding of the chemical,
influence of temperature on the volitle physiological and evolutionary principles
compound and the thrips that have shaped chemical communication
within this system is still lacking. For this
Chemical ecology in social reason, we intend to investigate different
evolution against nest parasitism: aspects: from assessing if the plant volatiles
Kladothrips vs. Koptothrips are important for host finding and
acceptance of the nest-invaders to the
Monica De Facci1*, T.W. Chapman2 and O. identification of a probable alarm
Anderbrant1 pheromone in Kl. anal droplets; from the
1
Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, SE-223 62 Lund,
detection of differences and similarities in
Sweden the cuticular profiles between gall-inducers
2
Memorial University, St. John’s, A1B 3X9 and their invaders to the comparison with
Newfoundland Canada
*Correspondence: monica.de_facci@ekol.lu.se
solitary Kl. species.
In all insect societies, semiochemicals play Commercialisation of thrips

a crucial role for both intra-nest semiochemicals
communication and the ability of parasites
William Jan De Kogel1*, F.C. Griepink1, R.W.H.M.
to invade their host. Our project aims to
van Tol1 and D.A.J. Teulon2
reveal what chemical cues are involved in
the evolution of eusociality for defense 1
Wageningen UR, Plant Research International B.V., P.O.
against nest parasitism by analysing the Box 69, 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands
2
Plant & Food Research, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch
interactions between two tubuliferan 8140, New Zealand
genera: the model social insect clade *Correspondence: willemjan.dekogel@wur.nl
Kladothrips and its kleptoparasitic genus
Koptothrips. Studies on semiochemicals used by thrips
Australian gall-inducing thrips (genus help us to better understand the behaviour
Kladothrips) produce their domicile in of these insects. Semiochemicals may be
developing phyllodes of wattles (Acacia related to sexual behaviour, aggregation
trees). Seven of the 23 described Kl. species behaviour and defense (pheromones,
present two morphs: the macropterous allomones) or host finding (kairomones).
reproductive individuals, and the Understanding the role of semiochemicals
micropterous soldiers with enlarged in relation to the behaviour of thrips may
forelegs specialized for defence against e.g. also lead to the development of techniques
Koptothrips. Depending on the species to manipulate their behaviour. The end
involved, the relationships between them products of such studies are practical tools
can vary from coexistence to a deadly for growers to help them protect their crops
fighting. Interestingly, the soldiers can from thrips infestation. These tools include
show deficiency in their nest-mate both monitoring and control strategies. We
recognition ability possibly due to will give an overview of the development
Koptothrips being able to camouflage and use of commercially available thrips
themselves, appearing ‘chemically semiochemicals and discuss future research
insignificant’ to their victims. Such a directions.
phenomenon most commonly evolves when

A Non-Structural Protein (NSs) of under investigation. Financial support:

Tomato spotted wilt virus increases UnB, CNPq, FAP-DF
baculovirus replication efficiency
in permissive and semi-permissive Development of a locus-specific,
insect cells and larvae co-dominant SCAR marker for
(Lepidoptera) assisted-selection of the Sw-5
(Tospovirus resistance) gene
V.C. De Oliveira, L. Bartasson, B.M. Ribeiro and cluster in a wide range of tomato
Renato Resende* accessions
Dept. of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, PO Box
70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil E.C. Dianese1,2, M.E.N. Fonseca2, R. Goldbach3, R.
*Correspondence: rresende@unb.br Kormelink3, A.K. Inoue-Nagata1,2, L.S. Boiteux1,2
and Renato O. Resende1*
1
The NSs protein of the tospovirus Tomato Laboratory of Phytopathology/IB/UnB, 70910-900, DF,
Brazil
spotted wilt virus (TSWV) has been 2
CNPH/Embrapa Vegetables, CP 218, 70359-970, DF,
identified as a RNAi suppressor in plant Brazil
3
cells. In the present study, a recombinant Binnenhaven 11, 6709 PD, Wageningen, The Netherlands
*Correspondence: rresende@unb.br
baculovirus (vAcNSs) containing the NSs
gene under the control of the viral
polyhedrin (polh) gene promoter, was The best levels of broad-spectrum
constructed in order to assess the effect of Tospovirus resistance reported in tomatoes
heterologous expression of the NSs protein thus far are conferred by the Sw-5 locus.
on baculovirus replication in insect cells This locus contains at least five paralogues
and insect larvae. We have demonstrated (denoted Sw-5a through Sw-5e), of which
that permissive Trichoplusia ni (BTI- Sw-5b represents the actual resistance gene.
Tn5B1-4) and semi-permissive Anticarsia Here we evaluated a panel of seven PCR
gemmatalis (UFL-AG-286) cell lines, primer pairs matching different sequences
infected with vAcNSs, produced more within a genomic region spanning the Sw-
significant amounts of budded virus (BVs), 5a and Sw-5b gene cluster. Primer
when compared with wild type baculovirus. efficiency evaluation was done employing
Cells and larvae were infected with a tomato isolines with and without the Sw-5
recombinant virus containing the green locus. One primer pair produced a single
fluorescent protein gene (gfp) vHSGFP and co-dominant polymorphism between
alone and co-infected with vAcNSs and susceptible and resistant isolines. Sequence
vHSGFP. Co-infection with vAcNSs and analysis of these amplicons indicated that
vHSGFP strongly increased GFP they were specific for the Sw-5 locus and
expression in BTI-Tn5B1-4 and UFL-AG- their differences were due to
286 cells. A. gemmatalis larvae infected insertions/deletions. The polymorphic
with both viruses showed increasing SCAR amplicon encompass a conserved
population of infected hemocytes up to 72 sequence of the promoter region of the
h.p.i. in contrast with larvae infected only functional Sw-5b gene, being located in the
with vHSGFP which showed decreasing position -31 from its open reading frame.
populations of infected hemocytes from 24 This primer pair was also evaluated in field
h.p.i. onwards. For intrahaemocoelic assays and with a collection of accessions
infection, it was obtained LD50 values of known to be either susceptible or resistant
7.15 and 1.18 PFU/larvae for AcMNPV and to tospoviruses. An almost complete
vAcNSs, respectively. The mechanisms correlation was found between resistance
involved in the increased replication of the under greenhouse/field conditions and the
recombinant virus containing the NSs gene presence of the marker. Therefore, this
in insect cells and insects are currently primer pair is a very useful tool in marker-

assisted selection systems in a large range area adjacent to the field was 61.3±3.32 [n=
of tomato accessions. 1521] compared to 30.9±1.65 [n=1507] in
the field. The percentage of TSWV in the
Financial support: UnB, CNPq, CAPES, weeds adjacent to the fields ranged from
FAP-DF, Embrapa. 10.0%±0.04 [n=180] to 24.7%±0.03
[n=631] in 2007 and 2005, respectively. In
Survey of thrips and Tomato the crops, the lowest incidence of TSWV
spotted wilt virus incidence in was in Spring 2007 (0.9%) and the highest
vegetable fields and adjacent was in Spring 2005 (9.8%).
weeds in Georgia, USA
Natural host ranges of Tomato
Stan Diffie* and David G. Riley zonate spot virus in Yunnan
Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Tifton, J-H. Dong1,2*,Z-K. Zhang1,2, Y-Y. Yin2, X-F. Cheng2,
GA 31793, USA M. Ding 1,2 and Q. Fang1,2
*Correspondence: diffie@uga.edu
1
Biotechnology and Genetic Germplasm Institute, Yunnan
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) (family Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming 650223,
Bunyaviridae; genus Tospovirus) causes China
2
Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology of Yunnan
significant yield loss annually in Georgia Province, Kunming 650223, China
(USA) vegetable fields. The two main *Correspondence: dongjhn@126.com
vectors of TSWV in Georgia are the
tobacco thrips Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) Tomato zonate spot virus (TZSV) has
and the western flower thrips F. become a major constraint for numerous
occidentalis (Pergande). Weeds horticultural and ornamental crops. In 2008,
surrounding tomato and pepper fields in due to the tomato diseases caused by TZSV,
four South Georgia counties were collected 1000 kilogram of diseased tomatoes sold
monthly (2004-06) and bi-monthly (2007- for just 10 Yuan (RMB). A two-year survey
08). Berlese funnels were used to extract was conducted from Aug. 2006 to Oct.
thrips from the samples into 60% ETOH, 2008 in Kunming to determine the plant
and ELISA was run on sub-samples to test host-ranges of TZSV. A total of 481
for TSWV. Yellow sticky cards were samples were collected, and tested using the
placed in the fields and on the borders of polyclonal antibodies to the nucleocapsid
the fields for a one week period on each protein (NP) of TZSV expressed in
sampling date. In Berlese samples, Escherichia coli. The testing results showed
immatures comprised the largest number of that tomato, chili pepper, tobacco, potato,
thrips collected (77% of the total). spinach, lettuce, radish, parsley,
Suspected non-vector thrips adults endivesprout, taro, kidney bean, and various
comprised 12% of the total followed by F. species of weeds including Rumex dentatus,
occidentalis (7%) and F. fusca (3%). Chenopodium serotinum, Bidens pilosa,
Frankliniella fusca was the dominant vector Capsella bursapastoris, Comnyza
collected during the spring and summer canadensis, Malachium aquaticum,
while F. occidentalis was dominant in the Pharbitis purpurea, C. Amaranticolor,
fall and winter months. The number of Plantago asiatica, Oenothera
thrips collected on sticky cards remained erythrosepala, Taraxacum officnala,
high throughout the warm months but had a Lactuca sativa L, Galinsoga parviflora
drastic reduction during the winter and were natural host of TZSV. Two plant
early spring months. More thrips were species, Stramonium (Dature stramonium
collected in the weeds surrounding the crop L.) and morelberry (Physalis alkekengi L.),
than in the crop itself. The average number were not tested positive for TZSV during
of thrips collected on cards located in the the whole survey period. Kunming is called

as City of Eternal Spring, where there are size or location of a nest was not found the
favorable conditions for the overwinter of significant determinant for distribution of
these plant species that could serve as barley thrips in nidicolous synusia, thus the
TZSV reservoirs and thrips as TZSV role of thigmotaxy to invade sheltered
vectors. Further work is necessary to places was not proved statistically.
control the diseases caused by TZSV.
The project was financially supported by
When cereal pests migrate to VEGA 1/4339/07 and KEGA 3/7454/09.
nests
Artificial intelligence – a challenge
Peter Fedor1*, I. Hammersteinová1, M. Doričová1 for semiautomatic thrips identi-
and W. Sierka2 fication
1
Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
2
University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland Peter Fedor1*, J. Vaňhara2, J. Havel2 and O. Majzlan1
*Correspondence: fedor@fns.uniba.sk
1
Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
2
Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
Barley thrips, Limothrips denticornis, *Correspondence: fedor@fns.uniba.sk
HALIDAY, 1836 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae),
a grass-dwelling Holarctic element with an We tested the reliability of artificial
ability to infiltrate a wide spectrum of intelligence methods for prompt and
habitats, represents a model example to effective identification and monitoring of
study transport mechanisms of economically important European thrips
Thysanoptera into nests. In samples from (Thysanoptera). 101 species, including
more than 1,500 nests, collected in the European and Mediterranean Plant
period of 1975 -2006, a barley thrips was Protection Organization quarantine-listed
recorded at 17 bird and 3 mammal species, and tospovirus-transmitting pests, such as
predominantly in nests built of grass and Thrips palmi or Frankliniella occidentalis,
feathers, such as those inhabited by Turdus were evaluated to develop a precise and
viscivorus, T. pilaris, Lanius collurio, reliable digital instrument for identification.
Acrocephalus arundinaceus, Nucifraga For instance, 17 quantitative morphometric
caryocatactes, Passer montanus, Carduelis characters (measured as linear distances on
chloris or Micromys minutus. Divisive digital images), such as head, clavus, wing,
hierarchical clustering technique (DIANA) ovipositor length and width, two qualitative
was chosen with Gower's General two-state characters (presence/absence) and
Similarity Coefficient (metric) to measure sex (Fedor et al., 2008 in Bulletin of
proximity of mixed data types (material of Entomological Research) formed the input
nests). Fourteen material categories were variable computation set for cereal
selected for detailed statistical analysis. In damaging and grain damage causing thrips
the multi-factor analysis of variance both of the Limothrips genus. Experiments with
cases Friedman chi-squared statistic and p- several artificial neural network types
value show strong dependence of presence (radial basis function, linear, probabilistic
of a barley thrips on certain material. and multilayer perceptrons networks)
Considering the grass-dwelling way of life suggested multilayer perceptrons as
this may indicate that L. denticornis efficient for such a purpose generally. Its
predominantly invades nidicolous synusia architecture was constructed conventionally
through phoresy on grass during nest with three or more feed-forward layers, i.e.
building and the alternatives, active flight input, output and one or several hidden
and canopy dwelling, phoresy on hosts, and layers (Fedor et al., 2009 in Systematic
floating in atmosphere are less important. Entomology).
Apart from the material the shape, height,

Reliable species distinction would not be 2008, it ranked 14th in the Georgia
possible if a single character only was vegetable acreage as 3,985 acres were
considered. However, in appropriate planted. It also ranked 6th in terms of farm
combinations (relative values), character gate value in the same time period
states can be unique and specific. In a large generating $51.2 million (Boatright and
database, lower subsystems can be McKissick, 2008). Thrips-vectored Tomato
established and analysed separately (e.g. spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is a serious
Panchaetothripinae, Frankliniella spp., disease capable of causing damages to the
Thrips spp.), while also shaping a complex plant, fruits, quality and reducing yields
supersystem with high identification drastically (Riley and Pappu, 2004).
reliability. Managing TSWV can be complex. For
A wide character range even enables the instance, metalised UV-mulch may
identification of damaged insects where significantly reduce TSWV, but delay
traditional dichotomous keys are useless. In tomato maturity, potentially affecting price
combination with semi-automated digital and market window. Also, resistant tomato
image-encoding software and determination lines may eliminate damage due to TSWV,
according to the most reliable characters, but could have negative horticultural
the method may find a wide practical attributes that standard TSWV-susceptible
application in phytosanitary work. hybrids do not. TSWV can induce irregular
ripening in fruit after packing, affecting
The project was financially supported by post-harvest costs. This study is aimed at
VEGA 1/4339/07, KEGA 3/7454/09 and providing the optimal return per unit of
MSM 0021622416. enterprise using estimates of the
combination of available inputs used in the
Economic analysis of managing various management strategies.
thrips and Tomato spotted wilt Thereafter, the result of the differentially
virus in tomato in Georgia, United developed techniques and risk-rated
States using enterprise budget budgets will be used to determine which of
the risk-rated thrips, TSWV and IPM
Esendugue Greg Fonsah*, David G. Riley, Stormy decision criteria would provide superior
Sparks and David Langston pareto-optimal economic and financial
benefit to tomato growers (Fonsah et al.
Associate Professor and Extension Economist, Fruits,
Vegetables and Pecans, Department of Agricultural & 2006; Fonsah and Hudgins, 2007; Byrd et
Applied Economics, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA al., 2006; Fonsah et al. 2005; Calkins and
31793, USA DiPietre, 1983).
*Correspondence: gfonsah@uga.edu
Natural and artificial populations

Recent trend depicts that tomatoes and
of Frankliniella occidentalis, biotic
tomato products rank as the second most
important vegetable crop in the United resistance and pest status
States after potatoes and potato products, Joe Funderburk1* and Stuart Reitz2
contributing 20 percent of total vegetable
production (Lucier and Dettmann, 2008). 1
University of Florida, 155 Research Road, Quincy,
Moreover, tomatoes are equally ranked Florida 32351, USA
2
second in the United States in terms of USDA-ARS-CMAVE, 6383 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee,
Florida 32308, USA
production value, generating $1.3 billion *Correspondence: jef@ufl.edu
after head lettuce which contributed $1.4
billion in the same time period. In 2006, In its native southwestern North America
422,000 acres of tomatoes were planted in with Mediterranean and semi-arid climates,
the United States. Tomato is an important Frankliniella occidentalis employs an
economic crop in the state of Georgia. In

opportunistic life history strategy, with Soil fertility levels correlated with
population characteristics that include Tomato spotted wilt virus levels
polyphagy, rapid development, high
reproductive potential, vagility, and a R.D. Gitaitis1, A.S. Csinos1, C. Nischwitz2 and
competitive breeding structure. The species, Stephen W. Mullis1*
now considered cosmopolitan, is thought to 1
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia,
have successfully invaded regions with Tifton, GA 31793-0748, USA
many different climates. In central Chile, F. 2
Department of Plant Sciences, Division of Plant
occidentalis has replaced and possibly Pathology and Microbiology, University of Arizona,
Tucson, AZ, 85721-0036, USA
displaced the native flower thrips as the *Correspondence: swmullis@uga.edu
most common thrips species and it feeds
and reproduces on the vast majority of the The disease level for any plant disease is
native and introduced plants in the agro- dependent upon the degree of virulence of
ecosystem. Most of the plant species are the pathogen, the susceptibility of the host
low-quality hosts where populations either and a favourable environment, i.e. the
decline or remain stable, but they escape disease triangle. The soil environment,
predation and competition from native including nutrient levels, can interact with
thrips. On a few high-quality hosts that are the disease triangle by affecting both host
abundant in the spring, populations in the susceptibility and growth and development
absence of predators and competitor species of the pathogen. Consequently, an
build up to very high populations that later association of soil fertility levels with
disperse due to crowding and declining Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) severity
plant host quality. In Florida, F. and incidence in tobacco, Nicotiana
occidentalis is an inferior competitor to the tabacum, was investigated. Soil samples
native thrips on both cultivated and were collected from field plots at the
uncultivated plant hosts, and this University of Georgia, Bowen Farm in Tift
competitive asymmetry, along with a County, GA in 2007 and 2008. In both
reduced ability to avoid predation compared years, samples were collected from 25
to the native flower thrips, has resulted in subsites per plot in four replicated plots in
its exclusion (but not repulsion) in the the center of the field. Subsamples were
agroecosystem. There are only rare combined into a composite sample for each
opportunities in space and time for natural replicate. In addition, individual soil
population buildup on plant hosts in the samples were sampled from below
absence of predation and competition. individual plants across the entire field. The
However, the species is capable of sample area exhibited a disease gradient
exploitation of insecticide-treated crop running north to south in 2007 but not in
fields where they rapidly increase to 2008. Number of samples in 2007 and
damaging pests in the absence of predation 2008 were n = 84 and n = 170, respectively.
and competition. Apparently, F. In 2007, ratios of phosphorus:magnesium,
occidentalis similarly encounters serious magnesium:copper, copper:boron,
biotic resistance, even near complete iron:copper, zinc:boron and
repulsion, in many geographic regions with magnesium:zinc were significantly
different climates. Observations show that correlated with TSWV levels at P = 0.05
populations occur in high numbers in for both composite samples and individual
insecticide-treated crop fields; only small samples. In 2008, ratios phosphorus:
populations in the form of stray individuals magnesium, phosphorus:copper and iron:
are encountered on the other available plant copper were significantly correlated with
hosts. TSWV levels at P = 0.05 for both
composite samples and individual samples.
Of particular interest was the interaction of

iron with copper. This interaction indicated identifications. Only three species were
that as the proportion of iron increased intercepted during the study period,
relative to copper or as copper decreased in Frankliniella occidentalis, Frankliniella
relation to iron, the less tomato spotted wilt schultzei and Thrips tabaci. All three
was observed. species are tospovirus vectors and New
Zealand lists Frankliniella schultzei as a
Thrips species intercepted at New regulated pest. Results of morphological
Zealand borders on Snow peas identification of reared adults along with
from the African continent molecular identification will be briefly
discussed.
Disna Gunawardana* and Sherly George
Imidacloprid resistance detected
Plant Health and Environment Laboratory, MAF in Australian Thrips tabaci
Biosecurity New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry, PO Box 2095, Auckland 1140, New Zealand Lindeman (Thripidae,
*Correspondence: disna.gunawardana@maf.govt.nz Thysanoptera)
The Plant Health and Environment Grant Herron1* and Jianhua Mo2
Laboratory Entomology Group, under the
1
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 2
NSW DPI, EMAI, PMB 8, Camden 2570, Australia
NSW DPI, Yanco Agricultural Institute, PMB Yanco,
Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) Yanco 2703, Australia
undertakes diagnostics of invertebrates *Correspondence: grant.herron@industry.nsw.gov.au
intercepted at New Zealand’s border on
fresh produce and provides advice on Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, is a
organism regulatory status to MAFBNZ major pest of Australian field onion with
Cargo Clearance. Snow peas, Pisum their control heavily reliant on a limited
sativum are imported into New Zealand number of chemicals. Australian growers
from the USA, Europe, Australia and have previously complained of control
Africa. Three African countries, Zimbabwe, failures and here we document resistance in
Zambia and South Africa account for 87% T. tabaci for the first time in Australia
of snow pea imports to New Zealand. The against a range of insecticides including
main snow pea invertebrate interceptions imidacloprid. The maximum difference in
are thrips. Two thrips species, Thrips palmi response detected via comparison of the
and Caliothrips fasciatus are considered by most tolerant to the least tolerant field
MAFBNZ to be high impact exotic pests. response indicated 164- and 606-fold
Although Thrips palmi and Caliothrips resistance to α-cypermethrin and λ-
fasciatus are not recorded from Zimbabwe, cyhalothrin respectively. Diazinon
Zambia and South Africa, it is important to resistance was also detected at 27-fold and
have records of what species are coming to dimethoate at 5.2-fold although omethoate,
New Zealand on this produce. This malathion and methidathion resistance were
interception data contributes to a not detected. Interestingly, 6.4-fold
continuous pest risk analysis process. Since imidacloprid resistance was detected in a
2005, 206 Thysanoptera interceptions have single population that contained 2% highly
been recorded on snow peas from Africa. imidacloprid resistant individuals capable
While some of these records are represented of surviving a 2.0 g ai / L dose. This is the
by early instar thrips larvae others are first record of imidacloprid resistance in T.
exclusively eggs. Rearing of eggs and tabaci.
larvae through to adults was carried out for
the purpose of morphological identification.
Molecular techniques were used to
complement some of the morphological

Control of western flower thrips

(Frankliniella occidentalis) in Transgenic tomato plants were generated
lettuce and strawberry crops in carrying the nucleocapsid gene (n-gene) of
Victoria, Australia Peanut bud necrosis virus. The plants were
raised under controlled conditions in a
Paul A. Horne and Jessica Page glasshouse. The level of the N-protein was
estimated by ELISA before and after
IPM Technologies Pty Ltd, PO Box 560 Hurstbridge, Vic.
3099
challenging with the virus through sap
Correspondence: ipmtechnologies@bigpond.com inoculation. The analysis showed that the
unchallenged transgenic plants had high
Western flower thrips (Frankliniella levels of N-protein expression, while the
occidentalis) has become an increasing level of N-protein in the same plant
problem in several horticultural crops in decreased drastically 48 hours after
Australia including lettuce (Lactuca sativa challenge. In the non-transgenic control
L.) and strawberries (Fragaria ananassa plants, the level of the N-protein increased
Duch.). In lettuce the problem is mainly the from nil (before challenge) to high levels 48
transmission of tomato spotted wilt virus hrs after challenge. The transgenic plants
(TSWV) but in strawberries it is direct were symptomless 3 weeks after
feeding damage. Field observations in challenging, while non-transgenic controls
commercial crops of lettuce between 2007 developed symptoms. The reduction in the
and 2009 and strawberries between 2008 N-protein may be due to the transcript of
and 2009 in Victoria, Australia indicated the transgene (positive sense) forming a
that F. occidentalis was a problem where double stranded structure with the viral
regular insecticide applications were made. genome (negative sense) resulting in
However, F. occidentalis populations were degradation of the transgene transcripts
reduced and kept under control where far probably through dicer mechanism.
fewer insecticides were applied (either as
seedling drenches or foliar sprays). We Present status of chronic and
observed that a predatory thrips, emerging tospoviruses in India
Haplothrips victoriensis was more abundant
in crops where insecticides were withdrawn Rakesh Kumar Jain* and B. Mandal
and that there was also a reduction in F.
Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agricultural Research
occidentalis populations in these same Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
crops. Laboratory feeding trials confirmed *Correspondence: rakeshjain56@yahoo.co.in
that H. victoriensis could feed on F.
occidentalis. We present data showing the Tospoviruses (Family Bunyviridae) are fast
factors affecting control of F. occidentalis emerging as serious pathogens negatively
in Victorian lettuce and strawberry crops. impacting the cultivation of several field
and horticultural crops in India. Of the 19
Expression of nucleocapsid protein tospovirus species recorded worldwide, five
is lowered in challenged transgenic have been reported from India: Capsicum
tomato plants carrying chlorosis virus (CaCV) on capsicum,
nucleocapsid gene of Peanut bud Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) on
necrosis virus groundnut, Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) on
onion, Peanut yellow spot virus (PYSV) on
K. Jagadish, Akella Vani* and B.J. Nirmal Kumar groundnut and Watermelon bud necrosis
virus (WBNV) on watermelon. CaCV,
Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of GBNV, PYSV and WBNV are of Indian or
Horticultural Research, Hessarghatta Lake Post,
Bangalore-560089, India Asian origin, whereas IYSV is distributed
*Correspondence: vaniakella@yahoo.com worldwide. The earliest recorded tospovirus

is GBNV, which has been known since The diseases caused by thrips-transmitted
1949. Subsequently, PYSV and WBNV tospoviruses (genus Tospovirus, family
emerged on groundnut and watermelon Bunyaviridae) are a major constraint to
respectively in 1990s, and IYSV and CaCV production of important vegetable, legume
emerged recently on onion and capsicum and ornamental crops in different parts of
during 2002-2006. Thrips palmi and the world. Their often wide and
Scirtothrips dorsalis are the predominant overlapping host ranges, emergence of
thrips vectoring tospoviruses in India. Of resistance-breaking strains, circulative and
the Indian tospoviruses, GBNV and WBNV propagative relationship with polyphagous
are endemic and the most widespread, thrips vectors, and difficulties in predicting
causing up to 100% crop losses. Except for their outbreaks pose challenges to
IYSV and PYSV, other tospovirus species development and implementation of
are serologically indistinguishable. effective management programmes.
Complete genome properties are studied Despite these challenges, for a few
only for GBNV and PYSV. Other tospoviruses, considerable progress has
tospovirus species are recognised based on been made in successful development and
nucleocapsid protein (N) gene deployment of practical and effective
characteristics. Most of the Indian integrated disease management (IDM)
tospoviruses have been traced in several programmes. This has been due to
crop species other than their original hosts. increased understanding of their
Adaptation on new crop species other than epidemiology, identification of risk factors
the original host is an indication of that contribute to increased disease
emerging tospoviral problems in Indian incidence and development of tactics to
agriculture. Whether the new tospoviruses mitigate those risk factors. This paper will
have emerged within the ecosystem or been focus as an example on how
introduced from other countries is difficult epidemiological information on Tomato
to pinpoint at the moment. However, spotted wilt virus and field experiments on
intensive cultivation, introduction of potential control measures helped in
susceptible genotypes, favourable devising an effective Integrated Disease
environmental conditions for thrips Management Strategy for this virus in
populations, change in genetic makeup of Australia.
the virus through mutation and genomic
reassortments are important factors in the Extension strategies for improved
emergence of tospoviruses. Western flower thrips
management in Queensland
Using epidemiological information
to help manage tospoviruses Iain Kay1* and S. Heisswolf2
effectively: the experience with 1
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, 49 Ashfield
Tomato spotted wilt virus in Road, Bundaberg, Qld. 4670, Australia
Australia 2
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, PO Box
538, Bowen, Qld. 4805. Australia
Roger A.C. Jones* and Brenda Coutts *Correspondence: iain.kay@deedi.qld.gov.au
Plant Pathology Section, Agricultural Research Western

Australia, Department of Agriculture and Food, Bentley Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande),
Delivery Centre, WA 6983, and School of Plant Biology, western flower thrips (WFT), has been an
M084, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, important pest of vegetable crops in
University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009,
Australia Queensland since 2001, causing damage
*Correspondence: rjones@agric.wa.gov.au through its feeding and by vectoring
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). In
2003 Horticulture Australia commissioned

a project to transfer WFT/TSWV

management technology developed during a The aggregation pheromones of
decade of research in southern Australia to thrips
vegetable growers in the Bundaberg and
Bowen-Burdekin districts of Queensland. William D.J. Kirk* and James G. C. Hamilton
Project research activities focussed on
School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire
adapting information and technology ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
derived from work in southern states to *Correspondence: w.d.j.kirk@biol.keele.ac.uk
north Australian conditions. This included
defining the seasonal occurrence of WFT, Adult males of many species of thrips
identifying important alternative hosts, and (Thysanoptera) have externally visible pore
testing insecticides for efficacy against plates (areae porosae) on their abdominal
WFT. The work was supported by related sternites. In the sub-family Thripinae, the
studies by other researchers on monitoring plates are typically on sternites III-VII. A
insecticide resistance in WFT and on better few of these species have been studied
managing TSWV and other tospoviruses. A microscopically and they have large,
survey identified the issues and needs of the internal, glandular structures associated
industry in the target districts and shaped with the pore plates, indicating that the
the extension approach used. Four function of the plates is to release
interrelated approaches were used. pheromone. Identification and
Presentations and discussions at workshops, characterisation of male-produced
seminars and field days on topics such as pheromones is difficult because they are not
thrips identification and biology, weed stored, but produced on demand in very
hosts and crop hygiene, insecticide use and small (picogram) amounts. In the western
application were often combined with flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis
sessions on managing other pests. A (Pergande), there are two major compounds
newsletter, WFT Queensland Update, was that are produced only by males. One of
produced and distributed to growers and these, neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate,
agribusiness service providers, as was other increases trap catches of males and females
printed information. Project team members in glasshouses and so acts as an aggregation
worked closely with growers who often pheromone. A synthetic form of the
prefer one-on-one contact to access pheromone is sold commercially by
information on pest and disease Syngenta Bioline under the name
management. Collaboration with Thriplineams to increase trap catches of F.
established commercial consulting firms in occidentalis in protected crops. Growers
the project enabled fast integration of thrips have also observed that thrips become more
and disease information in the integrated active on the surface of the crop when the
pest management strategies they promote, pheromone is released. The role of the
and ensured the longterm provision of second compound, (R)-lavandulyl acetate,
WFT/TSWV management advice in each remains unclear. We have identified, but
district. An independent, external end of not fully characterised, a male-produced
project evaluation determined that there compound in the melon thrips Thrips palmi
was a high level of awareness of the Karny. It appears to be a monoterpenoid
project, its key messages and the practices it pentenoate (RM=236) and is very similar in
promoted among growers and service structure to the aggregation pheromone of
providers. F. occidentalis, which is a monoterpene
pentanoate (RM=238). We predict that this
is also an aggregation pheromone. The
similarity is remarkable given that the
genera Frankliniella and Thrips probably

diverged between about 120 million and 70 The behavioural repertoire of

million years ago. The presence of a second Thrips tabaci
male-produced compound in F.
occidentalis, but not in T. palmi, may relate Elisabeth H. Koschier* and J. Riefler
to differences in mating behaviour. For
Institute of Plant Protection, Department of Applied Plant
example, aggressive interactions between Sciences and Plant Biotechnology, University of Natural
males are known in F. occidentalis and Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna,
Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom), but not so Peter Jordan-Straße 82, 1190 Vienna, Austria
*Correspondence: elisabeth.koschier@boku.ac.at
far in any Thrips species.
Plant compounds for modifying This study describes all behavioural

the behaviour of Thrips tabaci patterns and activities of Thrips tabaci
Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), the
Elisabeth H. Koschier* and J. Riefler onion thrips. This thrips species is a
cosmopolitan pest that causes losses in
Institute of Plant Protection, Department of Applied Plant many protected crops as well as in the field.
Sciences and Plant Biotechnology, University of Natural
Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna,
Thrips tabaci females were observed on
Peter Jordan-Straße 82, 1190 Vienna, Austria small rectangles cut from host plant leaves
*Correspondence: elisabeth.koschier@boku.ac.at that were placed on water agar cubes as a
water supply in water-filled Petri dishes
Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: fixed under a microscope. This setup
Thripidae) is a cosmopolitan pest species confined single thrips females to the
causing serious losses in many protected observational arenas while allowing them to
crops as well as in the field. Previous move freely on a piece of plant tissue, with
studies have identified the secondary plant the surrounding water keeping them from
compounds linalool, a monoterpene, and leaving. Thrips behaviours were recorded
eugenol, a phenylpropanoid, as feeding and continuously for up to 24 hours (L:D =
oviposition deterrents against the onion 16:8) using a microscope with a cold light
thrips. Because these results were obtained source or an infra-red illumination, a video
exclusively in end point bioassays, changes camera and a video recorder.
in behavioural patterns of T. tabaci in Considering descriptions of specific
response to the deterrents remained behaviours of thrips in the literature, 17
unknown. In the present study behavioural behavioural elements shown by adult
observations of thrips that did not take females were videotaped, described and
flight over a complete photoperiod revealed classified into 7 behavioural categories:
that a foliar application of linalool or inactivity, exploratory behaviour,
eugenol to leek not only modified the oviposition behaviour, feeding behaviour,
feeding and oviposition behaviour of T. defecation, cleaning behaviour and take-off
tabaci adult females, but also influenced behaviour.
their movement patterns and prolonged the Using this classification, differences in host
periods of inactivity of thrips on treated use on different host plants of the onion
plant surfaces. The increased understanding thrips and/or behavioural responses of
of the mechanisms of linalool and eugenol thrips to bioactive plant compounds can be
as signal chemicals make them valuable assessed.
model compounds in a future search for
effective compounds as synergists, for
example in the framework of a push-pull
strategy and various other biological or
chemical control measures in conventional,
integrated or organic farming systems.

Chilli venal mottle virus (ChVMV) in hot

Biological and molecular pepper and Tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV)
characterisation of vegetable in tomato were studied. Interestingly we
infecting tospoviruses in India have noticed high level synergisms with
other group of viruses and cross protection
S.R. Kunkalikar1, P Sudarsana1, M. Bhanupriya1, among the WSMoV serogroup viruses. As
Prem A. Rajagopalan1*, S.D. Yeh2, R.A. Naidu3, a result of surveys conducted from 2002 to
Usha B. Zher1 and K.S. Ravi1
2009 in major tomato growing areas of
1
Molecular Virology, Mahyco Research Center, Hoskote district of Karnataka states (hot
Dawalwadi, Post Box no. 76, Jalna, Maharashtra - 431203, spot to PBNV), a total of 23 N genes were
India
2
Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing
characterised at a regular intervals. The
University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C. high conservation in the N gene sequences
3
Department of Plant Pathology, Irrigated Agriculture were noticed when compared with a PBNV
Research and Extension Center, Washington State
University, Prosser, WA 99350. USA
isolate, which had been first characterised
*Correspondence: prem.rajagopalan@mahyco.com nearly a decade ago indicates that the
PBNV N gene continues to be conserved
Three tospovirus species (Peanut bud over a period of nearly 15 years in endemic
necrosis virus (PBNV); Watermelon bud regions. Further the full length of S and M
necrosis virus (WBNV) and Peanut yellow genomic segments of WBNV and CaCV
spot virus (PYSV) have been reported from were characterised.
India since 1992. However, a detailed
analysis of the biological and molecular Thrips profiles on Scotch bonnet
properties of these viruses has not yet been pepper (Capsicum Chinese) and
carried out. Therefore, as a first step tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)
towards the characterisation of these viruses in Uganda
and the development of management
strategies based on host resistance, we Samuel Kyamanywa1*, M.K.N.S. Ochwo1, J.
Karungi1, Naidu A. Rayapati2 and C. Ssemwogere1
carried out a country-wide survey for the
distribution and genetic diversity of 1
Department of Crop Science, Makerere University, P. O.
vegetable-infecting tospoviruses. Disease Box 7062, Kampala
2
incidence and virus infected plant samples Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State
University P. O. Box 646430, USA
with typical tospovirus symptoms have *Correspondence: skyamanywa@agric.mak.ac.ug
been collected from 12 different states,
comprising the major vegetable growing Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) and
areas of the country since 2002. Based on Scotch bonnet pepper are important sources
serological cross relationship, sequence of cash for small scale farmers in Uganda.
comparisons and phylogenetic analyses, at The two crops, however, are devasted by
least two previously unreported species several viral diseases which are transmitted
(Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) and by thrips. The epidemiology of thrips is not
Capsicum chlorosisc virus (CaCV)), were well understood. Consequently there are no
discovered from India by our group. recommended control practices for the
Natural and biological host ranges of these viruses and their vectors on the two crops.
viruses were compared. N gene of 85 A study was therefore initiated to determine
isolates of PBNV, 38 isolates of WBNV, the incidence of different thrips species on
five isolates of CaCV and 26 isolates of tomatoes and pepper and how they are
IYSV were characterised. Further the mixed influenced by production practices. The
infection of Watermelon silver mottle virus study was conducted in farmers’ fields in
(WSMoV) serogroup viruses and/or with Mpigi and Wakiso districts. Initial
other viruses (Cucumber mosaic virus identification indicated that there were five
(CMV), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), and different species of thrips in the farmers’

fields which included: Frankliniella The pepper lines ‘Plato’ from Seminis and
occidentalis, Frankliniella schultezei, ‘Magico’ from Harris Moran both averaged
Thrips tabaci, Scirtothrips dorsalis and less than 1% symptomatic and were also
Thrips palmi. Three of the species (F. high yielding. ‘Stiletto’ from Syngenta also
Occidentalis, F. Shultezei and T. tabaci) averaged 1% symptomatic, but yields were
were found only on tomatoes while the significantly lower than the previously
other two species (T. palmi and F. mentioned resistant lines.
occidentalis) were found on both. The five
thrips were significantly affected by Tomato spotted wilt virus NSm
cropping systems and location. This paper protein domains involved in
uses current ecological principles to discuss tubule formation, movement and
the implication of the present results on symptoms
thrips management and their impact on
production of the two crops in Uganda. Weimin Li1, Dennis J. Lewandowski2, Mark E. Hilf3
and Scott Adkins3*
Evaluation of Tomato spotted wilt 1
Institute of Plant Virology, Fujian Agricultural and
virus resistant bell pepper lines in Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, PRC
2
Georgia, USA Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University,
Columbus, OH 43210, USA
3
USDA-ARS, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA
David Langston* and David Riley *Correspondence: Scott.Adkins@ars.usda.gov
University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA

*Correspondence: dlangsto@uga.edu Direct demonstration of Tomato spotted
wilt virus (TSWV) gene function has been
Thrips-vectored Tomato spotted wilt virus slowed by the absence of a reliable reverse
(TSWV) is one of the more severe genetics system. A Tobacco mosaic virus
problems affecting pepper production in the (TMV)-based expression system was
Southeastern USA. Currently, previously used by us to demonstrate that
commercially available pepper cultivars the TSWV NSm protein is able to support
resistant to TSWV are mostly based on a cell-to-cell movement in the absence of any
single gene; tsw gene in pepper. These other TSWV proteins. Further
resistant lines are available and to some demonstration that NSm induced tubule
extent are grown commercially in the formation in protoplasts, supported long-
southeastern USA. However, many of these distance movement and induced TSWV-
TSWV-resistant cultivars have horticultural like symptoms in plants was also facilitated
characteristics that make them less by the TMV-based expression system.
desirable than susceptible traditional Essential NSm domains for tubule
hybrids. Also, resistance-breaking strains formation, movement and symptoms have
of TSWV have occurred in many areas now been identified by our use of deletion-
where resistant cultivars have been grown mapping and alanine-substitution
(Moyer and Kennedy, unpublished, mutagenesis via the TMV-based system.
Thomas-Carroll and Jones 2003, Aramburu Two regions of NSm were required for both
2003), emphasizing the need for regional tubule formation in protoplasts and cell-to-
evaluations of TSWV resistant pepper cell movement in plants, indicating a
cultivars. In pepper evaluations conducted correlation between these activities. Results
during the spring season at Tifton, Georgia of our mutagenesis studies of conserved
from 2006-2008, the pepper cultivar amino acids suggest that the function(s)
‘Heritage’ from Harris Moran Seed predicted from domains common to
Company was consistently the highest tospovirus NSm proteins may be conserved
yielding bell pepper and averaged less than across the genus. Further exploration of
3% TSWV symptoms over the three years. functions of this interesting protein from

both additional TSWV isolates and other have been sequenced. With recent new
tospovirus species is merited. incursions of thrips species and
tospoviruses it was considered of interest to
Detecting a Tospovirus in trapped identify any sequence variation occurring in
thrips the New Zealand TSWV isolates, both from
a temporal and geographic perspective.
R. Lister, M-C. Nielsen, Melanie Davidson*, J. The material chosen for sequencing was
Fletcher, G. Timmerman-Vaughan varied. The oldest TSWV isolate was
Plant and Food Research, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch, collected in 1992 and stored frozen since
New Zealand then, and the most recently collected was
*Correspondence: davidsonm@crop.cri.nz from fresh material in 2008. Samples were
obtained from several geographic locations
Only three of the 14 Tospovirus species and throughout New Zealand. When compared
three of their 11 known thrips vector to the world-wide TSWV capsid gene
species have been recorded in New sequence data held in GenBank, cluster
Zealand. In New Zealand Frankliniella analysis of the sequence data has placed the
occidentalis, and Thrips tabaci vector New Zealand isolates into distinct groups.
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), while T. Observations of the most closely related
tabaci vectors Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) strains on a global scale may provide clues
and Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) is to the country of origin of historic TSWV
vectored primarily by F. occidentalis. incursions into New Zealand.
Frankliniella occidentalis is also known to
vector three other tospoviruses not yet Western flower thrips in China
recorded in New Zealand. The importance
of other thrips species as virus vectors in Yaobin Lu* and Zhijun Zhang
New Zealand is not yet clear. Thus we not
only have to monitor our borders for new Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang
Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 198 Shiqiao Road,
potentially pestiferous thrips species that Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, China
may be capable of vectoring tospoviruses *Correspondence: luybcn@163.com
but also for the tospoviruses themselves.
We found that by using ELISA and RT- Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella
PCR techniques it was possible to detect the occidentalis, is a serious pest in many
presence of TSWV from thrips (F. countries and regions around world. This
occidentalis) that had been trapped on pest was first recorded on the China
sticky boards for 24 h, and after 1, 2, 3, or 4 mainland in 2003. Since that time this pest
weeks. The implications of this technique to has been found in several provinces and has
detect a new virus or vector incursion, are caused serious damage to vegetable and
discussed. ornamental crops in some regions in China.
In order to effectively control this invasive
Sequencing of New Zealand’s alien pest and prevent its spreading
Tomato spotted wilt virus isolates nationwide, the Chinese government has
made great efforts. In order to further
R. Lister, G. Timmerman-Vaughan and John
improve the research on this pest, the
Fletcher*
Chinese government funded a large project
Plant and Food Research, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch, for the sustainable control of this pest in
New Zealand 2008. The budget is 2007 CNY (about 3
*Correspondence: fletcherj@crop.cri.nz million USD). As the leader of this national
key project I have established a workshop
The capsid protein genes of thirteen isolates to fight against this serious pest. More than
of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) 60 experts from 12 different institutions
(Tospovirus) occurring in New Zealand

around China participate in this project. In strains were tested for their transmissibility
order to seek more help and experience by F. occidentalis, obtaining 53.3% of
from other countries to solve the problems transmission for p202/3WT and 0% for
caused by WFT in China, and to develop p202/3RB. Quantitative RT-PCR assays on
collaboration opportunities, I will introduce the adult thrips immediately after the
this project to other conference participants transmission assays allowed us to detect a
so that they will know about what we have very low titre of viral RNA for p202/3RB
done and what we will do on this pest. compared to a much more abundant
p202/3WT viral RNA. Sequence
Tomato spotted wilt virus strains comparison of the genomic segments of the
expressing a truncated NSs two related strains showed 100% homology
protein can not be transmitted by for the S (small) segment with the
the thrips vector Frankliniella exception of the G deletion and 100%
occidentalis homology for the M (medium) segment.
Moreover, we obtained a reassortant strain,
P. Margaria1, M. Ciuffo1, L. Bosco2, G. Mautino2, L. carrying the L (large) segment from a
Tavella2 and Massimo Turina1* transmissible isolate (p105) and M-S
1
Istituto di Virologia Vegetale, Sez. di Torino, CNR,
segments from p202/3RB, which was not
Strada delle Cacce n73, Torino 10135, Italy transmissible, allowing us to exclude that
2
Di.Va.P.R.A. Entomologia e Zoologia applicate the L segment is involved in transmission
all’Ambiente, University of Torino, Via L. da Vinci 44,
10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
efficiency. Taken together our data provide
*Correspondence: m.turina@ivv.cnr.it genetic evidence for the involvement of the
S segment in the TSWV-thrips relationship
In standard leaf disk transmission assays, and for a role of NSs in efficient vector
Frankliniella occidentalis adults were infection.
unable to transmit Tomato spotted wilt virus
(TSWV) strains p170RB and p202 coding Managing western flower thrips
for a truncated NSs protein and described in (Frankliniella occidentalis) and
a previous work (Margaria et al., 2007). In Tomato spotted wilt virus in lettuce
order to characterise NSs-defective non- in Australia
transmissible strains, we forced the
obtainment from a wild-type strain Sandra McDougall
(p202/3WT) of a NSs truncated strain by a
NSW DPI, Vegetable Industry Centre, Yanco NSW 2703,
single mechanical inoculation on Capsicum Australia
chinensis ‘PI152225’. Selective pressure of Correspondence: sandra.mcdougall@dpi.nsw.gov.au
the Tsw resistance gene allowed to obtain
isolates carrying mutations in the NSs Until the arrival of Western flower thrips
coding region: among them, we looked for (WFT: Frankliniella occidentalis) in
strains undergoing symptom recovery, Australia in the early 1990s Tomato spotted
which we previously showed to be wilt virus (TSWV: Bunyaviridae
associated to deletions in the NSs protein. Tospovirus) had been a sporadic pest of
The strain we obtained was named lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), vectored by
p202/3RB and carried a single nucleotide Tomato thrips (Frankliniella schultzei) and
mutation (G deletion) in the NSs coding Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci). The arrival of
region, resulting in a frame-shift and a WFT into lettuce production areas,
truncated NSs protein of 443aa (compared particularly those adjacent to capsicum
to 467aa of p202/3WT). When transiently (Capsicum annuum) or tomato
expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, (Lycopersicon esculentum) saw an increase
the truncated protein accumulated, but incidence and severity of TSWV. Despite
could not suppress silencing. The two the limited chemical options growers in

these areas have been some of the slowest marker for TSWV resistance. Ultimately
to adopt the most basic of Integrated Pest this molecular marker will be used to
Management (IPM) tools but perhaps have rapidly screen breeding progeny for the
the most to gain. This talk will give a development of resistant cultivars.
national context on how WFT and TSWV Observations from repeated challenges of
have impacted on the development and TSWV on a large number of potato
adoption of an IPM strategy in lettuce. A cultivars have identified considerable
broad overview will be presented on R&D variation between cultivars in the
responses, identify the challengers and translocation of TSWV within a potato
present potential solutions. plant and further studies are required to
understand this phenomenon.
Screening for Tomato spotted wilt
virus resistance in potatoes Biological diversity of Iranian
Haplothripini (Thysanopter:
M. Milinkovic, T. Slater and Brendon Rodoni* Phlaeothripidae)
Department of Primary Industries, Knoxfield Centre, 621
Burwood Highway, Knoxfield, Vic, 3156, Australia. Kambiz Minaei
*Correspondence: Brendan.Rodoni@dpi.vic.gov.au
Plant Protection Department, College of Agriculture,
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) causes Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Correspondence: Kminaei@shirazu.ac.ir
significant yield losses in seed and
commercial potato crops across Australia. The 5800 described species of
The Australian environment provides an Thysanoptera exhibit a wide range of
abundance of thrips vectors and alternative biologies. About 50% feed on fungi, with
weed hosts for both TSWV and the vectors, most of these feeding on hyphae but some
and therefore the control of TSWV is on spores. Of the remainder, approximately
difficult in many districts. Chemical equal numbers feed either in flowers or on
control is ineffective, expensive and is often green leaves. About 100 species are crop
not compatible with IPM programs. This pests, causing feeding damage and
problem is unique to Australia and as a vectoring tospoviruses, but sometimes
result there has been very little work acting as beneficials by feeding on other
towards the development of TSWV pest arthropods or pollination.
resistance in potato germplasm by breeding In Iran, four genera and 27 species are
programs around the world. TSWV recorded of the Thysanoptera tribe
resistant potato cultivars could provide an Haplothripini (Phlaeothripidae,
effective control strategy for this disease by Phlaeothripinae). Dolicholepta Priesner
protecting the plant against viriliferous with one species, Haplothrips Amyot and
thrips flying onto the crop from surrounding Serville with 23 species, Neoheegeria
weeds. A TSWV-resistance screening Schmutz with two species and Plicothrips
protocol and disease resistance scale has Bhatti with one species. Haplothrips
been developed to be used routinely to species have a diversity of biologies, with
screen potato germplasm for TSWV many species apparently predatory and
resistance in the Australian potato breeding others phytophagous, particularly in the
program. Forty (40) potato breeding flowers of Asteraceae and Poaceae and a
parents have been challenged and scored few are pest. In contrast, most other
and we have identified 9 TSWV resistant Haplothripini found in this country seem to
and 9 TSWV susceptible cultivars. be phytophagous and host specific on other
Families have been screened that have plant families. Larvae and adults of
resistant and susceptible parents to identify
Dolicholepta micrura (Bagnall) have been
segregating phenotypes. A suitable family found in Iran only on the leaves of Zizyphus
will be developed to identify a molecular

spina-christi. The available biological data occur within these six populations of wheat
about Neoheegeria dalmatica Schmutz and thrips from Iran. This suggests that these
N. persica Priesner suggest that these populations represent variants of a single
species are associated with the flowers of species. Therefore, H. tritici is the only
Lamiaceae, although this host association is species of Haplothrips that is common on
possibly not strict. Plicothrips apicalis Poaceae in Iran, and records of H. cerealis
(Bagnall) occurs in the inflorescences of from Iran are probably misidentifications.
Cynodon dactylon (Poaceae). The extensive variation within these
In general, Haplothripini species of Iran are populations in numerical and descriptive
commonly associated with the flowers of characters has broad implications for
Asteraceae and Poaceae, but with some species taxonomy, particularly within
species having particular associations with Haplothrips, the third largest genus of
other plants. Thysanoptera.
Structural variation and Sources of onion thrips

identification problems in the infestations in onions in NSW and
wheat thrips, Haplothrips tritici SA
(Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)
Jianhua Mo1*, G. Baker2, G. Herron3 and L. Mound4
Kambiz Minaei1* and Laurence Mound2 1
Yanco Agricultural Institute, NSW
1 Department of Primary Industries, Yanco, NSW 2703,
Plant Protection Department, College of Agriculture,
Australia
Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran 2
2 Entomology Unit, South Australian Research and
CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, Australia
Development Institute, GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA
*Correspondence: Kminaei@shirazu.ac.ir
2570, Australia
3
Elizabeth MacArthur Agricultural Institute, NSW
Wheat thrips, Haplothrips tritici Department of Primary Industries, PMB 8, Camden 2570,
Australia
(Kurdjumov) is a common pest of cereals in 4
CSIRO Div. of Entomology, Clunies Ross Street, Acton,
various parts of Europe and Iran. The Canberra, NSW 2601. Australia
morphological recognition of this species is *Correspondence: jianhua.mo@dpi.nsw.gov.au
by no means secure, in particular the
distinction from Haplothrips cerealis Non-onion hosts of onion thrips (Thrips
Priesner that is commonly recorded from tabaci) in the major onion (Allium sepa)
cereal crops in several countries. The production regions of NSW and SA were
objectives of the present work were to surveyed during March - October in 2005
reconsider the significance of several and 2006. A total of 40 plant species from
morphological character states that are 17 families were surveyed. Onion thrips
commonly used in taxonomic work on adults were found in 32 species from 15
Haplothrips species, to record the variation families and larvae in 24 species from 12
in a number of characters within several families. The families Brassicaceae and
populations of ‘wheat thrips’ in Iran, and to Asteraceae accounted for most of the plants
determine whether this variation seems where onion thrips were found. From
likely to represent more than one species. March to onion emergence in mid June-
Six populations of Haplothrips wheat thrips July, onion thrips were mostly abundant on
collected from three provinces of Iran were Indian hedge mustard (Sisymbrium
analysed morphologically, using both orientale), blackberry nightshade (Solanum
numerical and descriptive character states, nigrum), and twiggy turnip (Brassica
and the considerable variation within and fruticulosa). During the early part of onion
between populations is recorded. seasons, onion thrips were most abundant
Differences frequently quoted to distinguish on shepherd’s purse (Capsella
H. cerealis from H. tritici are shown to bursapastoris), Indian hedge mustard, and
capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) in NSW,

and on horehound (Marrubium vulgare), incorporated in to peanut crop management

variable groundsel (Senecio lautus), and systems. Variables that lower TSWV risk
onion weed (Asphodelus fistulosus) in SA. including varied cultivation techniques,
Among crops widely planted in the survey planting dates and use of resistant crop
areas, onion thrips larvae were found in varieties are practices have been effective at
Faba Bean (Vicia faba) and canola reducing the impact of TSWV in pepper
(Brassica napus var. napus) but not in and tomato. Tobacco has not been as
wheat (Triticum aestivum) and soybean responsive to these cultural practices, and
(Glycine max), both being confirmed hosts. efforts to deploy control options such as
In contrast to the sporadic presence of weed insecticide sprays, adjusting planting dates,
hosts, wheat, Faba Bean and canola are rouging of infected plants, and replanting
planted in large areas alongside onions and have had limited and unpredictable results
are harvested well before onions, making on reducing TSWV infections. However,
them potentially significant sources of there has been some success in tobacco
onion thrips infestations in onions. disease management with the employment
of the compound Actigard, which induces
A review of the epidemiological systemic acquired resistance. There is still
history of TSWV in Georgia, USA: much that is not known about the
where we are now epidemiology of TSWV. The roles that the
environment, farmscape, and thrips
Stephen W. Mullis1*, A.S. Csinos1, C. Nischwitz2, populations, as well as thrips-plant
and R.D. Gitaitis1 interactions and intra-plant disease
1
physiology are variables that all play a role
Tifton, GA, 31793-0748, USA in the TSWV cycle, and the relations that
2
Division of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, University all of these variables offer to the TSWV
of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721-0036, USA
*Correspondence: swmullis@uga.edu
disease dynamic are still poorly understood.
Although first reported in Georgia in 1986, Damage to vegetable crops by

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) was not Thrips parvispinus Karny
considered a problem until 1989. Since that (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and
time, farm gate losses in agricultural preliminary studies on biology and
community have been devastating. It has control
been common to have losses approaching
Tamotsu Murai1*, Hiroki Watanabe1, Wataru
90%. The southern Georgia farmscape
Toriumi2, Taro Adati2 and Shuji Okajima2
offers an environment highly conducive to
disease and insect pressure. The cultivation 1
Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine, Utsunomiya, Japan
of several susceptible crops in close 321-8505
2
proximity to each other, the year-round Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1, Sakuragaoka,
Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Japan 156-8502
availability of numerous, non-crop, host *Correspondence: murait@cc.utsunomiya-u.ac.jp
species, the widespread presence of thrips
vectors such as Frankliniella occidentalis Thrips parvispinus Karny is widely
and F. fusca, and the temperate distributed in the Pacific region; however,
environment conducive to TSWV infection little is known of its biology. No damage by
cycles makes the control of the disease this thrips was described. We found damage
difficult. Elimination of the thrips vectors by this thrips occurred in several vegetable
or inoculum sources are not viable options crops, such as chili pepper, paprika, green
in the management of TSWV, so efforts bean, potato, strawberry, eggplant in Bali
have been focused on integrated and Bogor in Indonesia. Especially, there
management programs for the mitigation of was heavy damage on chili pepper and
the TSWV losses. Risk indices have been

strawberry. Similar damage by this thrips green bean, broad bean and narcissus and
was observed in chili pepper. However, no on narcissus bulbs and germinated broad
damage was observed on cucumber and bean seeds under long-day photoperiodic
eggplant in Rachabru in Thailand. T. conditions (15L-9D) at 18°C, 22.5°C, and
parvispinus became the dominant thrips 25°C. All adult males were brachypterous
species in Indonesia, replacing Thrips palmi in the present study, and all females
in several vegetable fields. We developing at 18°C emerged as brachypters
preliminarily tested several colour sticky irrespective of food types. The percentages
traps as a monitoring method for this thrips. of macropters in females developing at
T.parvispinus was likely to be attracted to 25°C were apparently higher than those at
white rather than blue or yellow. 22.5°C. Under 25°C, percentage of
Development and reproduction of T. macropters in females was the highest on
parvispinus were tested at 20°, 25° and germinated broad bean seeds (ca. 81%), and
30°C condition. Developmental zero was lowest on narcissus bulbs (ca. 8%). On leaf
12.7 and thermal constant was 144.9 day pieces of the three plant species, 14-32% of
degrees. Mean fecundity and mean females developed into macropters at 25°C.
generation time at 20°, 25° and 30°C were Thus, temperature and food type obviously
50, 69, and 56 eggs and 37.6, 24.8 and 18.8 affected wing-form of females in the
days, respectively. Intrinsic rate of natural Japanese strain of the tobacco thrips. In
increase at 20°, 25° and 30°C was 0.18, addition to these findings, it was suggested
0.24 and 0.37, respectively. Some that photoperiodism does not have an effect
chemicals were tested to evaluate on the wing-form determination, and
conventional potential by leaf dipping females of this strain did not enter
method. T.parvispinus was susceptible to reproductive diapause even under short-day
spinosad but had low effect to acetamiprid. photoperiod (10L-14D and 18~25°C).
Status of T. parvispinus as pest thrips is
likely to be replaced by T. palmi. We are Life history and fighting behaviour
afraid of dispersion and developing of an Australian gall-inducing
resistance to chemicals of this thrips thrips, Kladothrips rodwayi Hardy
species. At the moment we are testing virus (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae),
transmission such as TSWV and CaCV. with a discussion about the loss of
solders in Acacia thrips
Effects of temperature and host
plant on wing-form determination Shiro Nakao1* and M. Schwarz2
of a Japanese strain of the tobacco
1
thrips, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) Kyoto Prefectural University, Shimogamo 1-5, Sakyo-ku,
Kyoto 606-8522, Japan
(Thysanoptera: Thripidae) 2
Flinders University of South Australia, GPO Box 2100,
Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
Shiro Nakao* and C. Chikamori *Correspondence: nakao@kpu.ac.jp
Kyoto Prefectural University, Shimogamo 1-5, Sakyo-ku, To detect possible reasons why one of the
Kyoto 606-8522, Japan
*Correspondence: nakao@kpu.ac.jp
Australian Acacia thrips, Kladothrips
rodwayi Hardy (Thysanoptera:
Recently, the tobacco thrips, Frankliniella Phlaeothripidae) has lost the solder
fusca (Hinds) were twice found in bulbs of generation, (1) inter-population variations
the narcissus at garden centres in Japan. To of annual life-cycle of K. rodwayi, and (2)
clarify the effects of temperature and food inter-population variations of kleptoparasite
type on wing-form determination in one of pressure by Koptothrips flavicornis Bagnall
the two strains, the thrips were reared from (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) were
hatching to adult eclosion on leaf pieces of investigated in SA, VIC and TAS from

December 2006 to August 2007, and populations and significant economic

furthermore, (3) proclivity and losses. To address some of these issues, our
effectiveness in gall defence by foundresses research focused on two objectives: (1)
(dispersers) were experimentally assessed identify new effective insecticides that
in laboratory. control onion thrips, and (2) determine
In general, percentages of successful action thresholds for timing insecticides to
kleptoparasitism were higher in K. rodwayi manage thrips. From 2005-2009, 22 active
galls at low latitudes and lower altitude site ingredients were evaluated for onion thrips
(e.g. ca. 60% at two sites in SA and control in field trials. Only five of these
Heywood in VIC, 20% or below at Halls products were considered highly effective
Gap and Portland in VIC and all sites in against onion thrips and two are now
TAS). Foundresses of K. rodwayi showed registered in the US. From 2006-2008,
obvious proclivity to attack kleptoparasites, action thresholds of 1, 3 and 5 larvae/leaf
but the fighting behaviour of foundresses were evaluated for four products: lambda-
does not seem to effective for gall defence cyhalothrin, methomyl, formetanate
against Koptothrips invaders. On the other hydrochloride and spinetoram. The best
hand lethal fighting between foundresses of action threshold, based on the level of thrips
K. rodwayi was suggested by observations control, feeding damage and marketable
on broods in galls from TAS. Based on yield, was dependent on the product. For
these results and annual life-cycles of K. methomyl, a threshold of 1 larva/leaf
rodwayi and Ko. flavicornis in different provided acceptable control. For
areas, we reviewed previous studies (Crespi formetanate hydrochloride and spinetoram,
and Abbot, 1999: Kranz et al., 2002). The a threshold of 3 larvae/leaf was acceptable.
loss of solders in K. rodwayi might be Lambda-cyhalothin did not control thrips
associated with adaptability to mesic and regardless of the threshold used. Waiting to
cooler conditions with decreasing apply any insecticide until thrips
accumulated temperature during their populations reached 5 larvae/leaf resulted in
development and periods for poor control, unacceptable levels of
kleptoparatitism. damage, and sometimes low yields. These
results combined with insecticide resistance
Controlling onion thrips in onion management principles are being used to
with insecticides develop a season-long thrips management
program.
Brian Nault*, C. Hsu and A. Shelton
Ecology of onion thrips and
Cornell University, Department of Entomology, New epidemiology of Iris yellow spot
York State Agricultural Experiment Station, 630 W. North
St., Geneva, NY 14456, USA virus: Implications for
*Correspondence: ban6@cornell.edu management in New York onion
fields
Insecticides are the primary tool for
managing onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Brian Nault1*, C. Hsu1, A. Shelton1, M. Fuchs2 and
Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), in C. Hoepting3
onion fields. Some insecticides used for 1
Cornell University, Department of Entomology, New
thrips control perform adequately, while York State Agricultural Experiment Station, 630 W. North
others perform poorly. Several reasons that St., Geneva, NY 14456
may explain poor performance include a 2
Cornell University, Department of Plant Pathology
Plant Microbe Biology, New York State Agricultural
weak active ingredient, a short residual Experiment Station, 630 W. North St., Geneva, NY 14456
activity, an application made too late, or a 3
Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell Vegetable
resistant thrips population. Any one of Program, 12690 Rte. 31, Albion, NY 14411, USA
*Correspondence: ban6@cornell.edu
these reasons can result in explosive

Effect of reflective mulches and

Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman plant covers in controlling thrips
(Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is the major in floricultural crops
insect pest of onion in New York. Thrips
can reduce bulb yields by at least 33% and Julie P. Newman1* and Karen L. Robb2
they transmit Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV),
1
which can cause additional yield losses. In University of California Cooperative Extension, 669
County Square Drive, Ventura, CA, 93003-5401, USA
New York, onions are planted in April 2
Target Specialty Products, 2478 N Sunnyside Ave,
using virus-free seeds or transplants, but Fresno, CA 93727, USA
there are a number of alternative plant hosts *Correspondence: jpnewman@ucdavis.edu
for IYSV and thrips that serve as a green
bridge for IYSV in the spring. Transplants Some insects use UV light for flight
are larger than direct-seeded onions early in navigation and UV light reflectance
the season and thrips may preferentially patterns for recognizing host plants. Placing
colonise larger plants, resulting in earlier materials that reflect UV light on the
infections and higher levels of IYSV in ground or above plants may interfere with
transplanted fields. Alternatively, most the ability of certain pests to locate and land
transplanted fields are harvested before on plants. Thrips are a major pest of
direct-seeded fields, possibly before IYSV floricultural crops, especially western
reaches high levels. Viruliferous thrips flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis
may migrate from these senescing (Pergande), which is also a vector of
transplanted fields into unharvested fields, tospoviruses that cause serious crop
resulting in higher IYSV levels in direct- diseases. Our objective was to evaluate the
seeded fields. To describe the temporal effects of reflective ground covers and plant
dynamics of IYSV and its vector in onion covers in reducing thrips populations in
fields, onion thrips and IYSV levels were commercial crops of field-grown cut
monitored in six direct-seeded and six chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum
transplanted fields in 2007 and 2008. More morifolium) and goldenrod (Solidago
thrips were found in transplanted fields ‘Yellow Submarine’), and in outdoor
early in the season, but direct-seeded fields container roses (Rosa x hybrida). In the
had higher levels of IYSV at the end of the first experiment, plots were established in
season. Levels of IYSV remained low, < chrysanthemums and goldenrod at two
7%, throughout June and July, and commercial nursery sites in California,
increased dramatically in August. Thrips USA. Treatments were reflective ground
densities late in the season were a better mulch, reflective cover, a combination of
predictor of final IYSV levels than early ground mulch with plant cover, and
thrips densities. Consequently, the time control(s). Sticky traps and plant samples in
onions are harvested may be more plot center rows were examined weekly,
important in determining final IYSV levels and all thrips were counted. Additional
than how onions are planted, and that measurements were light, soil temperature,
emigration of viruliferous thrips from plant stem weights, and stem length. A
harvested fields may be increasing the rating scale was used to evaluate crop
primary spread of IYSV in late-harvested quality. In the second experiment at another
fields. Managing onion thrips populations California nursery site, a reflective cover
before harvest and manipulating the spatial was evaluated in outdoor container roses
arrangement of fields based on harvest date using insect counts from traps and plants
could mitigate the spread of IYSV. samples. Significant differences in the adult
thrips populations were observed in all
crops, with the two plant cover treatments
providing the best protection. Reflective

ground mulches alone protected crops both the numbers of thrips caught and the
initially, but effectiveness was later reduced species composition for all trapping
when the plant canopy covered the mulch. methods between weeks and years. Lure-
There were significant light and soil baited traps caught overall more thrips than
temperature differences in the non-baited traps for both years. Numbers of
chrysanthemum plots, with the treatments thrips caught on the traps at the vents
containing reflective covers reducing reflected the number of thrips caught in the
overall light levels and ground mulches crop traps, irrespective of whether they
increasing soil temperature. were baited or not. No consistent pattern of
Chrysanthemums grown under the thrips was observed with the presence or
reflective coverings were of better quality, absence of lures in the greenhouse.
and stem length was increased in both Numbers of thrips estimated from plants
chrysanthemums and goldenrod. were either the same or higher after a period
without lures in the greenhouse than after a
Do attractants lure thrips into period with lures. There was no strong
greenhouses? indication that the presence of lures
increased the number of thrips or changed
Mette Nielsen1*, D.E. Hartnett2, R.I.F. Pedley2 and the species composition of the thrips
D.A.J. Teulon1 populations in the greenhouse in either
1
year.
The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research
Limited, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch 8140, New
Zealand A method to study thrips' feeding
2
The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research habits
Limited, Private Bag 92169, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
*Correspondence: nielsenm@crop.cri.nz
C. Nischwitz1, Stephen W. Mullis2*, K. Lewis2 and
R.D. Gitaitis2
Semiochemical-based tools, such as thrips
lures, are becoming more commonly used 1
for monitoring thrips pests in greenhouses. Pathology and Microbiology, University of Arizona,
Tucson, AZ, 85721-0036, USA
An important concern is that thrips from 2
outdoor populations might be lured into the Tifton, GA, 31793-0748, USA
greenhouses in greater numbers when the *Correspondence: swmullis@uga.edu
lures are being used. To investigate this
issue, intensive trapping of thrips (Thrips Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)
and Frankliniella) was carried out in a continues to be a major problem in tobacco
capsicum (Capsicum annuum) greenhouse (Nicotiana tabacum)and peanut (Arachis
crop in New Zealand in the summer months hypogaea) production in Georgia. In
of February and March in 2007 and in tobacco, current management strategies
2008. Blue sticky traps were positioned include using compounds that induce
above the crop canopy for 4 days per week systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and
for 3 weeks per year: 2 days with and 2 insecticides to control thrips vectors.
days without prototype alleochemical lures. Thrips have to acquire the virus before they
Traps without lures were also placed at the can infect tobacco plants in the spring. If
greenhouse vents above the trapping areas. the weed host reservoirs in the vicinity of
Additionally, thrips were sampled from tobacco fields can be identified, they could
plant flower heads and shoots and a suction be targeted for elimination to reduce
trap (2 m above the ground) located in the inoculum. There are over 2,000 hosts of
trapping area. Numbers of thrips from TSWV, many of them non-symptomatic
sticky traps, the suction trap and plant weeds, but only a few may serve as a source
samples were counted and identified to of inoculum for TSWV epidemics in
species level. There were large variations in tobacco. To determine the last food source

of thrips flying into tobacco fields, Consequently, spiny sowthistle was used to
individual Frankliniella occidentalis were conduct a survey across Georgia to
collected from the surface of a white determine the distribution of IYSV within
vehicle positioned at the edge of tobacco and outside the VOZ. The survey was
fields using a modified vacuum filtration conducted 2007-2009 within the VOZ and
system. Immediately after collection, along four line transects from the center of
containers were put on ice to immobilize the zone or parallel to it. Samples were
thrips and slow metabolic activity until collected from 42 counties and tested with
DNA extraction. Upon return to the lab commercial ELISA kits. In 2007, IYSV-
(~15 min.), collection containers were infected sowthistles were found 333 km
placed in a -80C freezer. Total DNA was northwest of the VOZ, as well as near the
extracted and universal primers for the ITS experiment station to the west in Tifton.
region of nrDNA were used for PCR and The survey showed that 36% of all counties
the resulting products were sequenced. sampled had at least one sowthistle plant
Sequences subjected to a BLAST search in test positive for IYSV in 2007, which
GenBank matched ragweed(Ambrosia increased to over 50% of the counties
artemisiifolia)and tomato (Lycopersicon having a sowthistle plant test positive by
esculentum) among others. A time-course 2009. Similar distributions were observed
study, in which thrips were starved but in all three years, except additional sites
allowed to remain active for varying time tested positive over time, especially in the
periods prior to freezing, indicated their western sites where IYSV- infected
food sources could be identified up to 15 sowthistles were detected up to 265 km
hours after feeding but not after 24 hours. from the VOZ. However, no infected
Although adult thrips cannot acquire the sowthistles were detected to the south and
virus, this method has the potential of east of the VOZ in all three years, despite
identifying plants that F. occidentalis not the fact that these five counties were
only prefers to feed upon but also adjacent to the border of the VOZ.
reproduce. Attempts to confirm ELISA results were
inconclusive using regular reverse
Epidemiology of Iris yellow spot transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
virus in Georgia, USA (RT-PCR). However, using the same
primers for N gene segments, high fidelity
C. Nischwitz1, Stephen W. Mullis2*, R. Srinivasan3 (HF) RT-PCR could routinely confirm
and R.D. Gitaitis2 ELISA results. Ten IYSV sequences were
1
obtained from various locations within the
Pathology and Microbiology, University of Arizona,
state. Subjected to a BLAST search against
Tucson, AZ, 85721-0036, USA sequences in GenBank, all sequences most
2
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, closely matched strains previously reported
Tifton, GA, 31793-0748, USA
3
Department of Entomology, University of Georgia,
from Georgia or Peru.
Tifton, 31793-0748, GA, USA
*Correspondence: swmullis@uga.edu Thrips competition: is Frankliniella
occidentalis really the big bully on
Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) was the corner block?
discovered in Georgia in 2003. The virus
has a limited host range and onion, the only T.D. Northfield1* and Dean R. Paini2
known host commercially grown in
1
Georgia, is only produced in a regulated Department of Entomology, Washington State University,
Pullman, WA 99164, USA
area [Vidalia onion zone (VOZ)]. 2
CRC – National Plant Biosecurity, Entomology Division,
Previously, spiny sowthistle (Sonchus CSIRO, Clunies Ross St, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
asper) was confirmed as a host. *Correspondence: Dean.Paini@csiro.au

experiments were established at Kenya

High competitive ability is believed to be Agricultural Research Institute, Embu,
an important characteristic of invasive Kenya from January to May 2009 in a
species. Many animal studies have randomised complete block design. Source
compared the competitive ability of fields around the experimental plots were
invasive species with a native species that is planted in NS and EW directions four
being displaced, but few studies have weeks before the main crop. Ten plants
evaluated systems where an invasive from each plot were randomly sampled and
species has failed to establish itself. The thrips collected by beating them against a
thrips species F. occidentalis is a highly white tray. Additionally three leaves and
invasive crop pest that has spread from its flowers were randomly sampled from ten
original range (the western states of the US) plants for thrips collection. The thrips were
to a worldwide distribution. Despite this, F. processed and identified using the LucID
occidentalis is largely absent or in low key Pest thrips of the world. The results
numbers in southern Florida where the show that thrips population in different
native F. bispinosa dominates and in the crops increased from 1-3 thrips/plant at 2-6
eastern states of the US, where F. tritici leaf stage to 21-fold at flowering. At crop
dominates. It is possible that both F. senescence, the population declined except
bispinosa and F. tritici are competitively for baby corn where more thrips were found
excluding F. occidentalis from this region. on the silk. The thrips species Frankliniella
We present experimental evidence that F. schultzei, Megalurothrips sjostedti,
occidentalis is competitively superior to F. Hydatothrips adolfifriderici and F.
bispinosa yet competitively inferior to F. occidentalis (41.1, 34.3, 17.7, 6.4%
tritici. We discuss the implications for such respectively) were commonly found on
competitive interactions for F. occidentalis French bean as compared to Irish potato
distribution and the implications that and baby corn, which supported mainly F.
climate change could have on TSWV schultzei, 92.0%, and F. williamsi, 87.9%,
transmission by F. occidentalis. respectively. In contrast sunflower hosted
both F. occidentalis (39.5%) and F.
Thrips species composition and schultzei (30.2%). Among the weed species
abundance on French beans, Amaranthus sp., Nicandra physaloides, and
associated crops and weed species Galinsoga parviflora supported mainly F.
in Kenya occidentalis, while Datura stramonium and
Portulaca oleracea supported mainly F.
Johnson O. Nyasani1,3*, R. Meyhöfer2, Subramanian schultzei. In conclusion it is likely that
Sevgan,3 and H-M. Poehling2 thrips problems on French bean crops are
1
caused by a complex of at least four
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P O Box 27-60100
Embu, Kenya
different species. Although the specific role
2
Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institute of Plant of the different thrips species is unclear,
Protection and Plant Diseases, Herrenhäuser Strasse 2, they show a preference for certain crops
30419 Hannover, Germany
3
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P
and weeds, which in turn might act as a
O Box 30772-00100 Nairobi, Kenya source for new infestations.
*Correspondence: jnyasani@icipe.org
The economic importance and
Thrips are among the major pests of French impact of western flower thrips
beans in Kenya. This study aimed at (Frankliniella occidentalis
determining the thrips species composition Pergande) and thrips detection on
and abundance on French beans and commodities at US ports of entry
intercrops such as Irish potato, baby corn,
sunflower, and associated weeds. Field Cheryle A. O’Donnell

specimens from Europe and several states

United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant in the United States as well as other
Health Inspection Services
Correspondence: caodonnell50@q.com Frankliniella sp. thought to be closely
related to WFT. A dendrogram revealing
A historical review of the economic impact the relationship between colour
and research of western flower thrips polymorphism and genetic similarity in
(Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) is western flower thrips and outgroup taxa is
summarised. The focus of historical presented.
research and the energy spent to prevent
and management western flower thrips and Evaluation of Tomato spotted wilt
tospovirus is highlighted. A review of virus resistant tomato cultivars in
investments on reducing importation and southeastern USA
exclusion of this cosmopolitan thrips is also
Stephen M. Olson1*, D. Riley2 and J.W. Scott3
investigated. What do ports of entry focus
on and what are their capabilities for 1
University of Florida/IFAS, NFREC, Quincy, FL 32351
detecting thrips on imported commodities? 2
University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
Where has our energy been focused? 3
University of Florida/IFAS, GCREC, Wimauma, FL,
Lastly, we visit the present research, the USA
*Correspondence: smolson@ufl.edu
current cost of management and outline the
focus for the future. Are we heading in the
Since Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSW) was
right direction?
first isolated in the southeastern USA in
1986, it has become the number one disease
Colour polymorphism and genetic
problem of tomatoes in this region
variation of Western flower thrips
especially in home gardens and with small
in California
growers. Management has been through
Cheryle A. O’Donnell metalized mulches, selected insecticides,
systemic acquired resistant materials and
United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant newer resistant cultivars. Resistance with
Health Inspection Services, Plant Protection and the Sw-5 gene has been around for about 12
Quarantine 9 North Grand Avenue, Nogales AZ 85621,
USA years but early hybrids had production or
Correspondence: caodonnell50@q.com quality problems. Recently many new
hybrids have been released that have
Western flower thrips, Frankliniella superior yield and fruit quality. There has
occidentalis Pergande, is a well known pest also recently been an increase in a strain or
in California and is polymorphic for colour, strains of Tomato spotted wilt virus that can
with populations varying from nearly black overcome the Sw-5 gene. These trials were
to pale yellow. This type of colour conducted to evaluate new large round
polymorphism has been noted throughout fresh-market tomato hybrids that contain
the world. Several hypotheses have been either the Sw-5 gene or Sw-7 gene (new
proposed for why these colour morphs source of TSW resistance). In the spring of
occur, i.e. variation in temperature or host 2009, twenty seven hybrids were evaluated
plant, or genetic differences within the at the NFREC, Quincy and Tifton, GA
species. A comparison of sequence data research centers. Trials were replicated 4
from nuclear genes, ITS and 28S, and times at each location. Of the 27 hybrids
mitochondrial genes, COI and 16S, have evaluated, 21 had the Sw-5 gene, 2 had the
been analysed to evaluate the genetic Sw-7 gene, 1 had both Sw-5 and Sw-7
variation among western flower thrips from genes and 3 had no TSW resistance (2 were
California. In addition, a genetic resistant to Tomato yellow leaf curl).
comparison was analysed from WFT Information will be presented on the

performance of these hybrids as to yield different parts of the country. Identification

and incidence of TSW. Additional of risk factors that influence final disease
information will be provided on the Sw-7 incidence need to be identified and an IPM
gene as to source, selection and early strategy based on the risk factors could
performance of hybrids constructed with it potentially reduce the impact of IYSV. A
present. similar strategy based on a risk index has
been highly successful in case of reducing
IPM strategies for reducing the the impact of Tomato spotted wilt virus in
impact of Iris yellow spot virus peanut in southeastern US. Component
epidemics in onion tactics for IPM for thrips and IYSV in
onion should address aspects of virus
Hanu R. Pappu avoidance (isolation of Allium seed crops
and winter bulb crops from summer onion
Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State bulb crops, management of culls and
University, Pullman, WA, USA
Correspondence: hrp@wsu.edu
volunteer onions, virus-free transplants,
manipulation of the planting date,
Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) is the most identification and management of non-
economically important viral pathogen of Allium hosts of IYSV, avoiding stress (soil
onion bulb and seed crops in the Pacific moisture, salts), identification of less
Northwest (PNW) of the United States. susceptible or tolerant varieties and sources
New reports of IYSV have emerged in of IYSV resistance, development of
other parts of the country as well from other resistant varieties, and sustainable thrips
countries. Complete crop loss due to IYSV management strategies.
was reported in PNW in some years. IYSV
is transmitted by onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Epidemiology of Iris yellow spot
Lindeman) and there is no evidence of seed virus: new hosts and seasonal
transmission. Hence, thrips play a critical dynamics of thrips vectors
role in IYSV epidemiology. While control
Hanu R. Pappu*, S. Bag and S. Rondon
options to reduce the disease impact are
limited, progress has been made in
Department of Plant Pathology, PO Box 646430,
understanding some of the factors that seem Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
to contribute to the outbreaks. Lack of *Correspondence: hrp@wsu.edu
resistance to IYSV in commercial onion
cultivars combined with prevalence of high Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), a member of
vector populations due to limited thrips the genus Tospovirus and family
control options and the availability of Bunyaviridae, causes an economically
abundant virus inoculum could be leading important disease in bulb and seed onion
to the severe disease outbreaks observed in crops in several parts of the USA. The
recent years. In some onion producing Pacific Northwest of the USA has been
regions of the country, the overlapping particularly affected by serious outbreaks of
seasons of the annual bulb and the biannual this virus. Onion thrips are the only known
seed crops provide the green bridge for both insect vector for IYSV. Developing tools to
the virus and the thrips vector. At present, monitor and manage viruliferous onion
growers are advised to avoid crop stress thrips could provide an effective
related to soil fertility, irrigation, and management tool to manage this disease.
observe sanitation. Field evaluation of An ELISA-based assay was developed to
onion varieties under natural conditions in identify onion thrips that could be potential
PNW has identified some with field transmitters of IYSV. As part of a multi-
tolerance. Continued evaluations of year study, beginning in 2008, onion thrips
breeding material are in progress in were monitored in two field plots at the

Oregon State University’s Hermiston

Agricultural Research and Extension Breeding for tospovirus resistance
Center, on a weekly basis using the full- in capsicum and tomato in
plant count technique. Each week, at least Australia
20 onion thrips were collected from each
field and from each sampling site. Denis M. Persley1*, D. McGrath2, M. Sharman1 and
Preliminary data showed that onion fields I.O Walker3
planted next to overwintering onions, a 1
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF), 80
potential source of onion thrips for the Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Queensland 4068
2
following season, did not increase the mean QPIF, Gatton Research Station, LMB 7 MS 437, Gatton,
Queensland 4343
number of onion thrips per plant per week 3
QPIF, Bowen Research Station, PO Box 538, Bowen,
in the field planted adjacent to it. Using Queensland 4805, Australia
antiserum specific to the NSs protein of *Correspondence: denis.persley@deedi.qld.gov.au
IYSV, thrips were tested using ELISA to
identify potential virus transmitters Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) is a
(viruliferous thrips). The seasonal dynamics member of the Watermelon silver mottle
of viruliferous thrips could be useful in virus group of tospoviruses (McMichael et
refining thrips management practices for al. 2002) and infects capsicum and tomato.
reducing the impact of IYSV in onion. In Australia, the virus was first identified in
Queensland and is now endemic in the
Tomato spotted wilt virus infection major capsicum production areas of the
of rhubarb State. The most significant damage is in
capsicum crops as tomato is rarely severely
Kathy S. Parmenter* and J.E. Thomas infected in open-field conditions.
Resistance to CaCV was identified and
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Department characterised in PI 290972 of Capsicum
of Employment, Economic Development & Innovation, chinense and then developed through
Indooroopilly, Queensland 4068, Australia
*Correspondence: kathleen.parmenter@deedi.qld.gov.au several cycles of conventional backcrossing
in advanced bell capsicum breeding lines.
During a national virus survey to The resistance to CaCV is not effective
investigate rhubarb decline disease, rhubarb against Tomato spotted wilt virus and
(Rheum rhaponicum) samples, with segregates as a dominant gene,
symptoms including chlorotic spots, red independently of the Tsw gene for TSWV
ringspots, or a chlorotic mosaic along resistance. A series of CaCV-resistant bell
central leaf veins, were collected from a capsicum breeding lines has been released
crop near Stanthorpe, Queensland. from which hybrid cultivars incorporating
Tospovirus-like particles, but no other both CaCV and TSWV resistances will be
virus-like particles, were observed by developed for commercial use. There is no
electron-microscopy of sap, and infection effective CaCV resistance available in
by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) was commercial tomato cultivars. By contrast,
demonstrated by ELISA. This was the Sw-5 gene for TSWV resistance is
confirmed by a TSWV-specific PCR. highly effective and has been transferred to
Samples were negative by ELISA for other a broad range of international cultivars.
viruses which commonly infect rhubarb. Unlike Tsw in capsicum, Sw-5 in tomato is
Further survey results identified TSWV stable and widely effective in Australia, and
infection of rhubarb crops in the Sydney we are using marker assisted selection for
Basin, NSW, and on the Mornington Sw-5 in the development of indeterminate
Peninsula, Victoria. This appears to be the trellis cultivars. In addition to TSWV
first record worldwide of TSWV infecting resistance, we are applying markers to the
rhubarb. transfer of resistance genes for Tomato

yellow leaf curl virus, Fusarium wilt and likelihood of success of eradication. It is
nematodes. Markers for powdery mildew important that diagnosticians and
resistance are under development in researchers understand their responsibility,
collaborative research and will be included not only a moral obligation to protect
later in the wider program. Our strategy is Australian agriculture and horticulture but
to introduce Sw-5 to a comprehensive this legal obligation that now exists for
package of multiple-disease resistance in jurisdictions and their personnel. Personnel
well-adapted elite breeding lines and hybrid of government agricultural agencies need to
genotypes. report a ‘reasonably held suspicion’ of an
exotic pest to their jurisdiction’s Chief Plant
Reference Health Manager directly or via the Exotic
McMichael L, Persley DM and Thomas J Plant Pest Hotline (1800 084 881). Not only
(2002) A new tospovirus serogroup IV does the EPPRD provide an obligation to
species infecting capsicum and tomato in report a ‘reasonably held suspicion’ but
Queensland Australia. Australasian Plant there is the potential for cost sharing of
Pathology 31: 231-239. actions taken to be rejected if it is deemed
that there has been a failure to report in a
The importance of reporting timely manner.
suspect exotic or emergency plant Many significant plant pests are cryptic and
pests to your state Department of not readily visible. Red Imported Fire Ant
Primary Industries is estimated to have been present for as
many as five years before detection,
Sophie Peterson1* and F.J. Macbeth2 likewise European House Borer may have
been present for as long as 50 years before
1
Plant Health Australia, 5/4 Phipps Close, Deakin, 2600, detection. Both of these pests would have
ACT
2
Australian Government Department of Agriculture,
cost considerably less to eradicate if they
Fisheries and Forestry, GPO Box 858, Canberra, 2601, had been detected and reported within the
ACT, Australia first few generations.
*Correspondence: speterson@phau.com.au
Predator-prey interactions
The Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed
between Orius insidiosus and
(EPPRD) is a formal legally binding
flower thrips
agreement between Plant Health Australia
(PHA), the Australian Government, all
Stuart R. Reitz
State and Territory Governments and plant
industry signatories covering the SDA-ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural and
management and funding of eradication Veterinary Entomology, Tallahassee, FL, USA
responses to Emergency Plant Pest (EPP) Correspondence: stuart.reitz@ars.usda.gov
Incidents. Plant Health Australia is the
Custodian of the EPPRD. For an The great debates generated in Australia
eradication response to be agreed it must be some 50 years ago regarding the relative
both technically feasible and cost beneficial merits of density dependent versus density
to eradicate the pest. As such, early independent forces in population dynamics
reporting of suspect emergency plant pests were both reiterations of earlier ecological
is a critical step in the process. The longer it debates and precursors of succeeding ones.
takes for a suspected EPP to be reported, Perhaps, as has been recently emphasised,
the more time the pest has to become the question shouldn’t be if populations are
established and widespread. This increases regulated, but the extent to which
the costs of containment, control and populations may be regulated. From the
eradication measures, reduces the technical perspective of managing pest thrips, this
feasibility and therefore reduces the becomes an important distinction as thrips

populations may in fact show strong density infected plant foliage has been shown to
dependence, but still occur at levels that are increase the percentage of infected F. fusca
higher than economically tolerable. The after one generation. In the current study,
view that natural enemies, or other density pine pollen (Pinus spp.) was monitored
dependent factors, cannot suppress pest using a Burkard air sampler and pollen
thrips populations below economically collection sheets to quantify pollen
injurious levels has recently been dispersal and deposition during the spring
challenged in certain agroecosystems. This of 2005-2008. Yellow sticky cards were
presentation will focus on interactions used to monitor thrips (Thysanoptera:
between the anthocorid predator Orius Thripidae) dispersal near the pollen
insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and collection station. Positive correlations
different species of Frankliniella flower were detected over the four-year period
thrips, including how species specific traits between thrips on traps and pollen events
affect interactions. From a population two weeks prior to the trap counts. In
ecology perspective, this predator shows the addition, leaf tissue from various crops with
ability to regulate flower thrips populations, and without pine pollen was used to
even in heterogeneous environments. From bioassay thrips for effects of pollen
a pest management perspective, naturally- deposition on oviposition and net
occurring populations of Orius insidiosus reproduction. In leaf cage studies in tobacco
have the capacity to suppress pest flower the addition of slash pine pollen increase
thrips populations below economically the number of off spring four-fold for F.
damaging levels in certain agroecosystems. fusca and 20-fold for F. occidentalis. As in
Factors affecting the ability of this predator previous studies, pine pollen had a greater
to be an effective biological control agent impact on flower thrips (F. occidentalis)
of flower thrips will be discussed. than foliage thrips (F. fusca) reproduction.
Using a new micro cage technique with
Pine pollen deposition effects on onion seedlings, the addition of pine pollen
reproduction of Frankliniella spp. significantly increased net reproduction of
F. fusca by 340%. The micro cage
David G. Riley technique provided an efficient method for
assessing thrips life table parameters.
University of Georgia, Tifton Campus, Tifton, GA 31793,
USA
Correspondence: dgr@uga.edu
A reduced-risk system for
managing thrips and TSWV in
Tree pollen, especially Pinus spp., is shed tomato and pepper
in large quantities every spring in North
David Riley1*, George Kennedy2, James
America. Pine pollen deposition onto leaves
Walgenbach2, Stephen M. Olson4, J. Powell Smith4,
has been found to significantly increase Ron Gitaitis1, James Moyer2, Greg Fonsah1, Jay W.
various reproductive behaviours of thrips Scott3, Alton ‘Stormy’ Sparks Jr.1, Mark Abney2,
vectors of Tomato spotted wilt virus David Langston1, Frank Louws2, Christopher
(TSWV) on various crops. In previous Gunter2
studies, slash pine pollen (Pinus elliottii 1
University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
Engelm.) increased the oviposition rate on 2
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695,
foliage three-fold for Frankliniella USA
3
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
occidentalis (western flower thrips) and 4
Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631, USA
two-fold for Frankliniella fusca (tobacco *Correspondence: dgr@uga.edu
thrips) averaged over two crops, peanut and
tomato. The impact of pollen on the rate of Since 1986, thrips-vectored Tomato spotted
oviposition by thrips is important because wilt virus (TSWV) has become one of the
the addition of pine pollen to TSWV major causes of diseases of crops in the

southeastern USA, causing as much as $100

million in damage annually. Two important WFT: WTF? (Western flower
crops at-risk from TSWV are fresh tomato thrips: what, two Frankliniella?)
and pepper. Production of these crops in
FL, GA, NC, and SC represents 54% of the Paul F. Rugman-Jones*, M.S. Hoddle and R.
USA annual production ($1.3 billion) and Stouthamer
the majority of acreage affected by TSWV.
Department of Entomology, University of California,
TSWV is transmitted in the southeast Riverside, CA 92521, USA
primarily by tobacco thrips, Frankliniella *Correspondence: paulrj@ucr.edu
fusca, and western flower thrips,
Frankliniella occidentalis. Management of Over the last 30 years, the western flower
TSWV in tomato and pepper is difficult and thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis
involves the use of multiple preventive (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), has
tactics, including TSWV-resistant plant become a serious worldwide pest of many
cultivars, reflective mulch, chemical agricultural and horticultural crops. WFT is
treatments, and weed management. No highly polyphagous and causes direct
single tactic provides 100% control and all damage to fruits and flowers, and also acts
must be applied prior to or during early as a major vector of tospoviruses, most
disease spread to be effective. Thus, an notably Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV).
integrated multi-tactic management Native to an area west of the Rocky
approach is needed. The goal of this project Mountains (USA), WFT is extremely
is to develop a reduced-risk management widespread throughout the state of
system for thrips and TSWV in tomato and California, and occurs across a huge variety
pepper in the Southeast. The objectives are of vegetation types from the pacific coast to
to: 1) Optimise use of available TSWV the interior mountain ranges at elevations
management options and define their up to 9,000 ft. The morphology of WFT is
effectiveness, costs and benefits when used highly variable, a fact most readily
alone and in combination. 2) Refine and exemplified by the existence of three co-
extend weather-based models for predicting occurring colour-morphs: pale,
the risk of TSWV spread into crops in intermediate, and dark. Colour has been
spring. 3) Develop a risk based decision shown to have a simple mendelian genetic
guide for growers to evaluate the need for basis, and the colour-morphs appear to be
and the optimum combination of TSWV equally efficient at vectoring TSWV.
management tactics. 4) Facilitate However, colour is also influenced by
implementation of reduced risk thrips and abiotic factors such as temperature.
TSWV management in tomato and pepper Significant variation between WFT
through out-reach programs. In the fall of populations has also been shown in pest
2008, a survey was conducted to assess the status and resistance to insecticides, with so
status of TSWV management in the called ‘glasshouse strains’ being more
southeast. In the spring of 2009, multiple resistant than native field populations in
field experiments were conducted in GA, California and the ‘lupin strain’ in New
NC, SC and FL to evaluate most of the best Zealand. The high degree of polyphagy,
management practices currently available and levels of morphological and molecular
and validate a method for TSWV risk variation, suggest that what we currently
prediction. recognise as F. occidentalis may in fact be
a complex of several cryptic species. Here,
we consider variation in F. occidentalis at
the genetic level, examining DNA sequence
data from both nuclear and mitochondrial
genes. Sequence data from WFT

specimens collected throughout California characterised using spectroscopic methods.

suggest the existence of two sympatric, and Bioassays concluded that the mortality of F.
reproductively isolated, genetic ‘types’. occidentalis was increased on exposure to
This finding is discussed with respect to the iridoid glycosides and residues of these
currently recognised ‘strains’, the evolution compounds tended to deter H.
of the two sympatric types, and whether the haemorrhoidalis from treated ‘host’ leaf-
genetic ‘types’ represent different species surfaces. Providing further insights into the
with different pest potential. mechanisms involved in plant resistance to
thrips can serve to increase the possibilities
Investigations of leaf chemistry of controlling thrips in environments where
and evasion of polyphagous the use of current control techniques is
species of thrips limited.
Alison Scott-Brown*, Nigel C. Veitch and Monique Computer-based identification

S.J. Simmonds key for pest thrips and
tospoviruses by use of LucID 3.4,
Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey,
TW9 3AB, UK
ITS-RFLP and low-density BioChip
*Correspondence: a.scott-brown@kew.org technology
The large display glasshouses at Kew Ingeborg Schuetz1*, Antje Breitenstein2 and Gerald
Moritz1
contain up to 4,000 different species of
plants, several of which are listed as rare 1
Martin Luther University of Halle and Wittenberg,
and endangered in their natural habitats. A Institute for Biology, Group Developmental Biology,
large proportion of these unique plant Halle, Germany
2
specimens are subject to attack from Becit GmbH, Wolfin-Bitterfeld, Germany
*Correspondence: gerald.moritz@zoologie.uni-halle.de
polyphagous thrips species which are
difficult to control due to the restrictions on
Thrips account for billions of dollars worth
chemical usage and plant-host preferences
of agricultural losses every year. Besides
displayed by natural enemies applied to this
being a pest thrips itself, some species
environment. However, it has been
spread tospoviruses due to their feeding
observed that distributed among the
behaviour. Identification of pest thrips and
numerous thrips ‘hosts’ are plants which
transmitted viruses as early as possible is
consistently avoid invasion by thrips. This
important to implement the appropriate pest
prompted a detailed study of the
control measures. We present a computer-
interactions of two polyphagous thrips
aided identification key based on LucID 3.4
species; Frankliniella occidentalis
for pest thrips using typical character states
(Pergande) and Heliothrips
visible under bright field or phase contrast
haemorrhoidalis (Bouché) and several
microscope. More than 1000 computerised
species of plants recorded as ‘non-hosts’.
microscopic photomicrographs and fact
The foliage of the non-hosts was found to
sheets for each species are included in the
have toxic and/or deterrent properties
identification key. We also established a
against thrips and compounds known to be
web-accessible data base for molecular
active against insects were detected in
identification (ITS-RFLP) of thrips of any
several of the plant species investigated.
developmental stage (adult, prepupa/pupa,
Crude leaf extracts of Sclerochiton
larva, egg). After DNA-extraction from
harveyanus Nees. (Acanthaceae)
insect or leaf material, PCR, digestion with
demonstrated the highest levels of activity
restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis,
against F. occidentalis. These extracts
the resulting fragment size can be compared
contained iridoids, including two new
compounds of this group which were

online with our php-data base to identify using the LucID key, Pest thrips of the
the species. world (2004) and the key by Palmer et al.
We are developing also in a next step a low (1992), and a reference collection has been
density bio chip to identify pest thrips of established. More than 12 thrips species
any developmental stage. The new biochip occurred on tomato including
will identify both thrips and tospoviruses Ceratothripoides brunneus (Bagnall,
transmitted by the insect simultaneously. 1918)., invasive western flower thrips
The newly developed technique will be (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis
small, robust and cheap enough to be used (Pergande, 1895), Frankliniella schultzei
both in lab and field. All three parts will be (Trybom, 1910) and Thrips tabaci
integrated into one computer-based (Lindeman 1988), which were the dominant
identification tool running on most species. The average thrips density per
computer platforms (MS Windows 98 or plant was more in mid altitude regions (600
higher, Linux, Sun, MacOS X). – 1800m) (11.2±2.5) in comparison to the
We thank the German Ministry of high altitude regions (>1800m) (2.5±0.7).
Agriculture for financial support. The diversity of thrips collected on tomato
varied considerably with the altitudinal
Altitudinal differences in gradient with more thrips species in the mid
abundance and diversity of thrips altitude regions and C. brunneus was the
on tomatoes (Lycopersicon dominant species (82.7%, n=479). In the
esculentum Mill.) in East Africa highlands the diversity was less with the
WFT being the dominant species (36.67%,
Subramanian Sevgan1*, A. Mayamba2, B. Muia1, P. n=32) and C. brunneus. was absent beyond
Sseruwagi2, J. Ndunguru3, T. Fred3, M. Waiganjo4, 2000m. The invasive WFT was found to be
M.M. Abang5 and G.B. Moritz6 wide spread in Kenya on different crops
1 (16%, n=2171), while it was not prevalent
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology,
Nairobi, Kenya, in Uganda (0.19%, n=523) and Tanzania
2
National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), (1.38%, n=145). The relevance of these
Namulonge, Uganda findings to the management of thrips and
3
Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute, Dar es
Salaam, Tanzania tospoviruses on tomato in East Africa are
4
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Thika, Kenya discussed.
5
AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center, Arusha, Tanzania
6
Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
*Correspondence: ssubramania@icipe.org Thysanoptera inhabiting native
terrestrial orchids in southeastern
Tomatoes are grown extensively by small- USA
holders across East Africa as a high-value
horticultural crop for the local market. Its Jyotsna Sharma1*, J. Funderburk2 and L. Mound3
production is seriously constrained by 1
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
several arthropod pests and diseases. Thrips 2
University of Florida-NFREC, Quincy, Florida 32351,
are among the most frequently reported USA
3
pests of tomato in the region and they also CSIRO Entomology, PO Box 1700, Canberra ACT 2601,
Australia
vector tospovirus diseases. It is of crucial *Correspondence: jyotsna.sharma@ttu.edu
importance to understand the diversity of
thrips, especially vectors of Tomato spotted A survey was conducted to identify the
wilt virus, for their effective management. thrips species associated with native
Hence a region wide survey on thrips fauna terrestrial orchids in southeastern USA.
associated with tomato in over 60 locations Above-ground plant structures were
was undertaken across Kenya, Uganda and sampled when each orchid species was
Tanzania. Representative thrips samples flowering yielding adults of polyphagous
from the field were processed and identified species of the common flower thrips

Frankliniella tritici (Fitch), Frankliniella tospovirus. The next closest match for M-
fusca (Hinds), and Microcephalothrips RNA of isolate-Q1510 was a nt identity of
abdominalis (Crawford). There is little 71 % with Peanut bud necrosis virus
indication that the orchids were (PBU42555). The S-RNA fragment
reproductive hosts of these species. Other amplified from isolate-Q1510 was 635 bp,
species of thrips that are more host-specific including 582 nt of the partial N-gene. This
to orchids were collected and included had a nt identity of 99 % with TNRV
adults of the orchid-living species (FJ489600). The next closest match for S-
Aurantothrips orchidaceus (Bagnall) and RNA of isolate-Q1510 was a nt identity of
Pseudothrips beckhami Beshear and 65 % with Groundnut bud necrosis virus
Howell. The presence of larvae of P. (AY871098). The partial M-, and S-RNA
beckhami indicated the suitability of at least sequence of isolate-Q1510 indicate it is
some orchid species as reproductive hosts. Tomato necrotic ringspot virus, a new
The adults of two predatory species in the tospovirus species from Thailand. This is
Family Phlaeothripidae also were collected, the first report of L-RNA sequence for
Leptothrips mali (Fitch) and Karnyothrips TNRV. Other isolates of TNRV were also
melaleucus (Bagnall). collected from Chiangrai, northern
Thailand. Field and experimental host range
A new tospovirus species from of TNRV has been investigated.
Thailand
Reference
Murray Sharman1*, P. Chiemsombat2, P.R. Chu, F.-H., C.-H. Chao, et al. (2001).
Campbell1 and D.M. Persley1 Completion of the genome sequence of
1
Watermelon silver mottle virus and
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, 80 Meiers
Road, Indooroopilly, Queensland 4068; Australia
utilization of degenerate primers for
2
Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture at detecting tospoviruses in five serogroups.
Khamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University Khamphaeng Phytopathology 91: 361-368.
Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom Province, 73140 Thailand
*Correspondence: murray.sharman@deedi.qld.gov.au
Thrips and seed transmission, and
In March 2007 a tomato sample (Isolate- the epidemiology of Tobacco
Q1510) displaying fine necrotic rings and streak ilarvirus in Queensland
spots on the leaves was collected from Australia
Ratchburi, Thailand. The sample was
Murray Sharman1,2*, D.M. Persley1 and J.E.
negative in Tospo IV ELISA (Agdia Thomas1
reagent set). Partial L-gene was amplified
using degenerate tospovirus primers 1
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Plant
gL3637 and gL4435c (Chu et al. 2001) and Pathology Building, 80 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, 4068,
the resulting sequence (GenBank accession Queensland; 2School of Integrative Biology, University of
Queensland St. Lucia Campus, Queensland Australia
GQ487713) was most closely related to *Correspondence: murray.sharman@deedi.qld.gov.au
Watermelon silver mottle virus (AF133128)
with a nucleotide (nt) identity of 78% over Tobacco streak virus (TSV) is transmitted
a 752 bp overlap. Degenerate primers were by thrips and has recently been reported
designed and fragments of M-RNA and S- from several important crops in central
RNA were also amplified from isolate- Queensland Australia, including sunflower,
Q1510. The M-RNA fragment (640 bp) mungbean, chickpea and cotton (Sharman
from Isolate-Q1510 had a nt identity of 98 et al. 2008). In recent years there have been
% with the sequence FJ947152, recently important economic losses in sunflower and
published by Seepiban and co-workers who mungbean crops. However, until recently
propose the name of Tomato necrotic little was known about the causal strain of
ringspot virus (TNRV) for this new

TSV or its key alternative hosts in the

region. TSV was found to occur commonly 1
Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station,
in Parthenium hysterophorus, as symp- 595 Onion Ave. Ontario, OR 97914 USA
2
Oregon State University, Malheur County Extension
tomless infections, in central Queensland service, 710 SW 5th Ave., Ontario, OR 97914 USA
across a large area infested with this highly 3
invasive and prolific weed (Sharman et al. University, 345 Johnson Hall, Pullman, WA 99164-6430
USA
2009). Several isolates of TSV collected 4
University of Idaho, Parma Research and Extension
across the geographic range of P. Center, 29603 U of I Lane, Parma, ID 83660 USA
hysterophorus were found to share identical *Correspondence: hrp@wsu.edu
coat protein sequence with each other and
with TSV from crop plants in the same Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) is a major
area. TSV is a pollen-borne virus and constraint to the production of onion
transmission relies on the virus particles (Allium cepa) bulb and seed crops in the
from infected pollen entering plant cells Pacific Northwest of the US. First found
through the feeding injury caused by thrips. locally in the Treasure Valley of Idaho and
The central Queensland strain of TSV was Oregon infecting onion seed crops in 1989,
shown to be readily transmitted by the the virus is now reported from many onion-
commonly collected species, Frankliniella producing areas around the world. Onion
schultzei and Microcephalothrips plants infected with IYSV can
abdominalis using TSV-infected P. progressively loose leaf area, resulting in
hysterophorus pollen. Seed transmission of reduced yield and reduced bulb size. The
TSV in P. hysterophorus occurred at rates virus is transmitted by onion thrips (Thrips
of 6.8 to 48% and there was almost no tabaci). Thrips control has become more
change in this rate when P. hysterophorus difficult because of the increased thrips
seed was stored for up to 24 ½ months. resistance to insecticides. It is not known
These results indicate that P. hysterophorus whether irrigation and fertilization practices
is a key alternative host for the that reduce plant stress might also reduce
development of TSV disease epidemics in the impact of IYSV. The combined effects
surrounding crops in central Queensland. of variety, irrigation system, irrigation
criterion, and nitrogen (N) rate on IYSV
Reference expression and onion yield and grade were
Sharman M, Thomas JE, Persley DM evaluated in 2007 and 2008. Fertilization at
(2008) First report of Tobacco streak virus 112 kg N/ha resulted in a higher onion yield
in sunflower (Helianthus annuus), cotton and grade in 2007 than 224 kg N/ha. There
(Gossypium hirsutum), chickpea (Cicer were no differences in onion yield or grade
arietinum) and mung bean (Vigna radiata) between N rates in 2008, but N failed to
in Australia. Australasian Plant Disease influence disease incidence either year.
Notes 3, 27-29. Symptoms of IYSV were fewer in 2007 and
Sharman M, Persley DM, Thomas JE no significant differences between
(2009) Distribution in Australia and seed treatments were observed. In 2008,
transmission of Tobacco streak virus in averaged over varieties and N rates, drier
Parthenium hysterophorus. Plant Disease irrigation criteria (higher SWT) resulted in
93, 708-712. significantly more severe IYSV symptoms.
Averaged over varieties and N rates, drip
Effect of selected cultural irrigation at 30 kPa resulted in significantly
practices in suppressing Iris yellow lower marketable, colossal, and colossal
spot virus in onion plus super-colossal bulb yield than the
wetter irrigation criteria in both 2007 and
Clinton C. Shock1, E.B.G. Feibert1, L.D. Saunders1, 2008, but the differences were more
L.B. Jensen2, Hanu R. Pappu3*, S.K. Mohan4 and pronounced in the presence of IYSV in
R.K. Sampangi4

2008. There were no significant interactions which these parasites interfere with insect
between variety, irrigation criteria, and N vector populations will be explored.
rate either year. Understanding the biological interactions
between hosts and parasites can be used to
Host regulation by Thripinema enhance current understanding of the
fuscum and effects on Frankliniella mechanisms utilised by parasites to succeed
fusca population dynamics in fluctuating host populations and are
important determinants for successfully
Kelly Sims1*, J. Funderburk2, S. Reitz3 and D. developing ecologically based management
Boucias1 programs.
1
Department of Entomology and Nematology, University Detection of multiple virus
of Florida, 970 Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, Florida
32611, USA infection with severe mosaic
2
North Florida Research and Education Center, University affected watermelon from Bikaner
of Florida, 155 Research Road, Quincy, Florida 32351,
USA
(India)
3
USDA-ARS, Center for Biological Control, Florida
A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida 32307, USA P.N. Sivalingam1, T.A. More1 and R.K. Jain2*
*Correspondence: simsk@ufl.edu
1
Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner – 334 006,
The tobacco thrips Frankliniella fusca India
2
(Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a Unit of Plant Virology, Division of Plant Pathology,
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi – 110
polyphagous insect pest of numerous fruit, 012, India
vegetable, and ornamental crops. *Correspondence: rakeshjain56@yahoo.co.in
Significantly, F. fusca is known to cause
extensive economic damage in various A disease of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus
cropping systems by transmitting Tomato (Thunb.) Matsumura and Nakai)
spotted wilt virus (Bunyaviridae: characterised by severe mosaic, leaf
Tospovirus). The discovery of the reduction and shoe-stringing, upright
entomogenous nematode Thripinema branches, shortening of internodal length,
fuscum Tipping & Nguyen (Tylenchida: and bud necrosis was observed during 2008
Allantonematidae) parasitizing F. fusca at the Central Institute for Arid Horticulture
implicated it as a potential biological experimental farm near Bikaner, India, with
control agent of viruliferous thrips in disease incidence of more than 80%.
agroecosystems. Thripinema spp. are Symptomatic watermelon plants were tested
specialized obligate parasites that attack for the presence of virus by electron
their hosts within the moist microhabitats of microscopy (EM) and direct antigen coated
plant structures. Importantly, T. fuscum –ELISA (DAC-ELISA) using polyclonal
reduces host feeding, induces female antiserum to Tobacco streak virus (TSV),
sterility, and reduces the competency of this Watermelon bud necrosis virus (WBNV),
insect vector to transmit Tomato spotted Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Papaya
wilt virus. These events all occur with ringspot virus (PRSV). Flexuous and
negligible effects on thrips longevity and isometric particles were seen under EM. In
survival. Thripinema are intrinsically DAC-ELISA, symptomatic watermelon
capable of suppressing populations of thrips samples reacted strongly with WBNV,
and cause near-extinction of local CMV and PRSV antisera. Asymptomatic
populations in agroecosystems. The host- samples of other cucurbitaceous crops such
parasite biology of F. fusca and T. fuscum, as Citrullus colocynthis (Tumba), Cucumis
including the effects of parasitism on host melo (kachri) and Lagenaria siceraria
population dynamics, will be discussed. In (bottle gourd) were also showed the
addition, the potential mechanisms by presence of flexuous and isometric particles
under EM and were ELISA positive for

WBNV, CMV and PRSV. The preliminary (93.3%) was achieved. Further the
results suggested co-infection of Tospo-, mechanical transmission of IYSV to
Cucumo- and Poty-viruses with watermelon commercially available onion varieties
and C. colocynthis, C. melo and L. siceraria resulted in selection of cultivars based on
may serve as alternative hosts for these symptom severity. The detection method
viruses. TBIA and mechanical inoculation
procedure developed in the present study
Efficient mechanical transmission facilitates to understand disease
of Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) to epidemiology and quick identification of
onion and their detection by resistance genotypes under controlled
tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA) conditions.
Sundaraj Sivamani1*, S. Krishnaveni1, Z.B. Usha2 Utilising Lisianthus (Eustoma

and K.S. Ravi2 grandiflorum) as an indicator host
1
model system to evaluate Iris
Department of Plant Molecular Biology and
Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,
yellow spot virus and its
Coimbatore-641003, Tamil Nadu, India interactions with Thrips tabaci
2
Molecular Virology, Mahyco Research Centre,
Dawalwadi, Jalna, Maharashtra-431203, India Rajagopalbab Srinivasan1*, S. Diffie1, S. Mullis2,
*Correspondence: sivamani_tnau@yahoo.co.in D.G. Riley1, R.D. Gitaitis2 and H.R. Pappu3
IYSV emerged as a major limiting factor in 1

Department of Entomology, University of Georgia,
successful cultivation of onion bulb and Tifton, GA 31794
2
seed crops in India. Difficulties were Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia,
Tifton, GA 31794
encountered to detect IYSV in onion due to 3
uneven distribution. In this study a simple University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
and rapid detection method tissue blot *Correspondence: babusri@uga.edu
immunoassay (TBIA) was developed using
polyclonal antibody prepared against Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) (family
recombinant nucleocapsid protein (NP) of Bunyaviridae; genus Tospovirus) is a
IYSV. The TBIA result was comparable to serious pathogen threatening onion
the DAS-ELISA for detection of IYSV in production in the United States.
onion bulb and seed crops. Use of resistant Information on IYSV-thrips-host
cultivar is the most effective strategy for the interactions is lacking. Onion has been a
management of tospoviruses. Cultivar less than ideal host for studying the biology
screening and breeding trials were found to of IYSV as it is relatively difficult to grow
be slowed down in onion due to the in a greenhouse, does not always produce
difficulties in production of disease symptoms upon infection by IYSV, and it is
symptoms by IYSV. Successful inoculation not easy to mechanically inoculate with the
of IYSV to individual plants by mechanical virus. In this study we used Lisianthus
methods is necessary to evaluate the level (Eustoma grandiflorum), as an indicator
of resistance in a genotype to be used in host and address issues such as transmission
breeding programs. In the present study, an by nymphs and adults of Thrips tabaci,
improved mechanical transmission protocol mechanical transmission, virus distribution,
was developed by using efficient source of and the effect of temperature on IYSV
inoculum, antioxidant, abrasives and symptom expression. To optimise a
growth stages. Identification of critical transmission protocol using T. tabaci
parameters resulted in successful nymphs and adults, experiments were
production of disease symptoms observed conducted using Mylar film cages (one cage
under field conditions in onion and /Lisianthus plant) with a copper mesh top
consistently higher rate of transmission (178 microns). Ten adults or nymphs were

used to inoculate each plant. IYSV- attractiveness of Thrips tabaci to the plant
infected nymphs and adults were collected infected by Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV),
from IYSV-positive onion plants and non- which is transmitted by T. tabaci
infected thrips from healthy onion plants. specifically. The attractiveness of T. tabaci
Thrips tabaci adults more efficiently and F. occidentalis to IYSV infected plant
transmitted IYSV (75%) than nymphs was tested in a dark condition. Impatiens
(56.6%). Mechanical inoculations were walleriana was used as a test plant, which
conducted on Lisianthus from IYSV- has local legion of IYSV transmitted by T.
infected onions and Lisianthus. Lisianthus tabaci nor F. occidentalis. T. tabaci was
to Lisianthus inoculation resulted in higher significantly attracted to IYSV infected
transmission (80%) than from onion to leaves, however F. occidentalis was not.
Lisianthus (68%). In both cases, typical The result suggests that there is a tritrofic
sunken round chlorotic spots appeared 3-5 interaction among IYSV, T. tabaci and
days post inoculation, and then progressed infected plant. Thus, virus attracted the
into a systemic infection. To assess the thrips that have an ability of transmit them
virus distribution, samples were taken from more efficiently.
leaves, stem, and roots and tested for IYSV
by ELISA. All the plant parts tested were Thrips species composition shift in
positive for the virus. The effect of three the Vidalia onion production
different temperature regimes 18-23ºC, 25- region of Georgia, USA
30ºC, and 30-37ºC, with a 12h day-length,
were tested for IYSV infection and Alton Sparks Jr.*, S. Diffie and D. Riley
symptom expression. The optimum
temperature range for was found to be 25- University of Georgia, Tifton Campus, Tifton, GA, USA,
30602
30ºC. *Correspondence: asparks@uga.edu
Attractiveness of adult Thrips Thrips are the primary arthropod pest of

tabaci to IYSV infected plant onions in Georgia, USA. Historically the
thrips complex on onions in Georgia has
Jun Sofue and Tamotsu Murai* been reported to consist of three species:
onion thrips, Thrips tabaci; tobacco thrips,
Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, 350 Mine, Frankliniella fusca; and the western flower
Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan 321-8505
*Correspondence: murait@cc.utsunomiya-u.ac.jp thrips, F. occidentalis. Onion thrips has
historically been of little consequence in
this region, as the thrips populations on
It is well known that Tospoviruses are onions typically consist of less than 1
specifically transmitted by some thrips percent onion thrips. In the fall of 2003, Iris
species (Thripidae). This specific yellow spot virus (IYSV) was detected in
interaction between virus and thrips the Vidalia onion growing region. This area
suggests a hypothesis that the viruses produces the vast majority of onions in
induce attractive behaviour of thrips to Georgia, with an annual farm gate value of
infected plants. This study begins to verify approximately 100 million dollars. Since
whether this hypothesis is correct or not. In the onion thrips is the primary vector of
fact, it is known that more thrips are IYSV, populations of this species received
observed on the virus infested leaves than new interest. In addition, onion thrips were
intact leaves. In a choice test that used detected in culls from onions imported into
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and Georgia from Peru. The potential for
Frankliniella occidentalis, more thrips were establishment and spread of a new biotype
observed on infected plant(pepper) (Maris of onion thrips also fueled interest in
et al., 2004). We also observed the monitoring of thrips on onions within this

region. Thrips species composition has been conducted under a USDA-RAMP project
monitored within the Vidalia production includes evaluation of these management
region for the past six years. A marked shift tools in small plot replicated trials and large
in species composition has been plot demonstration plots in south Georgia.
documented in the last three years. The These trials include comparisons of
tobacco thrips represented over 95 percent treatment combinations of three plastic
of thrips collected from commercial onion mulches (black, UV-reflective, and heat-
fields in the first three years of this study. stripe), imidacloprid at transplanting
The onion thrips increased dramatically in (versus no systemic insecticide), and pre-
the last three years, with individual fields in bloom applications of acibenzolar-S-methyl
which onion thrips were the predominant (with multiple timing of applications in the
species. Potential reasons for this species small plot trials, versus non-treated in all
shift include introduction of a new biotype trials). The effects of these management
of onion thrips and insecticide selection. practices on densities of thrips, TSWV
infection, and yield are being evaluated and
Chemical and cultural will be discussed.
management practices for thrips
and Tomato spotted wilt virus in Tospoviruses in New Zealand
Georgia, USA
Joe Tang* and G.R.G. Clover
Alton Sparks Jr.*, D. Riley and D. Langston
Plant Health and Environment Laboratory, MAF
University of Georgia, Tifton Campus, Tifton, GA, USA, Biosecurity New Zealand PO Box 2095, Auckland 1140,
30602 New Zealand
*Correspondence: asparks@uga.edu *Correspondence: joe.tang@maf.govt.nz
Thrips-vectored Tomato spotted wilt virus Three species of Tospovirus have been
(TSWV) has become one of the major recorded in New Zealand: Impatiens
causes of diseases of crops in the necrotic spot virus (INSV), Iris yellow spot
southeastern United States, causing as much virus (IYSV) and Tomato spotted wilt virus
as $100 million in damage in a single year. (TSWV). TSWV occurs throughout New
TSWV is transmitted in the southeastern Zealand where it has caused serious
U.S. primarily by tobacco thrips, sporadic epidemics in vegetable crops such
Frankliniella fusca, and western flower as tomato, capsicum and potato since it was
thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. Among first detected in 1936. In contrast, the
vegetable crops in this region, fresh market incursions of IYSV and INSV were
tomatoes and peppers are at greatest risk. reported recently, in 2007 and 2003,
Although multiple tactics are available for respectively. IYSV has been found
management of this problem, growers widespread in onion and shallot crops
currently rely heavily on resistant varieties, through the North and South Islands during
which contain a single source of resistance. a survey in 2008. At least 10 species of
If this resistance fails, growers will be glasshouse ornamentals have been found to
forced to rely on chemical and cultural be infected with INSV since 2003,
management. Recommendations for including begonia, cyclamen, freesia,
management of TSWV in tomatoes include gardenia, gerbera, hibiscus, hoya,
use of UV-reflective mulch, imidacloprid impatiens, primula and ranunculus. The
applied at transplanting, and foliar distribution and activity of two principal
applications of acibenzolar-S-methyl. Each vectors, onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) and
of these tools has potential costs and western flower thrips (Frankliniella
benefits associated with their occidentalis), are thought to be linked to
implementation. Current research being outbreaks of the three tospoviruses.

connectivity and computing power, along

Latest lucid identification tools with the desire for global collaborative key
building and data aggregation, the need for
Matt Taylor a platform that fulfils this seems clear. To
this end CBIT is working with the
Centre for Biological Information Technology (CBIT), Encyclopaedia of Life and the Atlas of
The University of Queensland, Australia
Correspondence: m.taylor@cbit.uq.edu.au Living Australia on a project called
IdentifyLife. One goal of this project is to
This year marks the 10th anniversary of develop an identification system capable of
Lucid – a digital, matrix key system scaling to all living organisms, while not to
developed at The University of Queensland. forgetting the end-user of this information –
Over this period, Lucid has evolved to keep the person asking ‘What is this?’
pace with technological advances in
software. Version 3, in particular, marked a Too cold to smell? Temperature-
significant turning point with a complete dependent responses by
change in technology; Lucid was rewritten Cycadothrips to cycad cone host
under the Java platform and released with a cues
host of new features (E.g. feature and entity
Irene Terry1*, G. Walter2, C. Moore2 and R. Roemer3
hierarchies, scoping and positive
dependencies). Lucid 3.5, the next major 1
University of Utah, Department of Biology, Salt Lake
release, substantially advances the Lucid City, UT 824112, USA 2University of Queensland School
platform, including key reporting, key and of Biological Sciences, Brisbane, St. Lucia 4072, AUS
3
player customisations, media importing, University of Utah, Department of Mechanical
Engineering, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA
and the creation of natural language *Correspondence: irene.terry@utah.edu
descriptions from the matrix data. Focusing
on one of these major new features, natural Cycadothrips sp. (Aeolothripidae) are the
language creation (where descriptive text is sole pollinators of several Macrozamia
derived from matrix scores), our goals were cycad species and they are dependent upon
threefold: 1) make the process as easy as male cones that provide both food (pollen)
possible, 2) use open standards, 3) be as and nursery facilities to complete larval
flexible as possible. The success of Lucid development. Cones have a diel
natural language creation lies in its template thermogenic peak which coincides with
builder, which enables authors to quickly peak volatile emissions and the rapid flight
and easily structure and build a description, of thrips from cones. Later in the day,
using widely available and understood pollen-bearing thrips return to a cycad cone,
XML technology and standards. In sometimes a female cone. We have been
addition, several example formatting investigating what motivates thrips to leave
templates can be used ‘off-the-shelf’ or be their ‘home’ and food. Experiments to
easily customised. Descriptions can be determine the effects of cone temperature
rapidly created for publication or generated alone on thrips behaviour, by heating a
as interactive descriptive fact sheets that thrips–bearing cone exogenously, were
include multimedia, which if desired, can unsuccessful because increasing
automatically be attached to the key. The temperatures around cones induces
list of new features and improvements thermogenesis which increases volatiles.
under development is extensive, with many Thrips did not respond to odours applied to
ideas and suggestions flowing on from our cold cones, enclosed in glass. Thus, we
users. Improved image display options and resorted to Y-tube olfactometry
specimen data handling are two such experiments. Initial experiments showed
features planned for future updates. With that at 22oC, light attracts thrips, and β-
recent improvements in Internet speed, myrcene slightly attracts at low

concentrations and repels at high day, cones emit strong odours (mainly β-
concentrations. However, the effects of β- myrcene) during thermogenesis, and thrips
myrcene and light are temperature- take flight from the cones in large numbers.
dependent and several factors must co- Later during the day, thrips return to cones,
occur to induce thrips to leave cones. At sometimes to a female cone where thrips
warm ambient temperatures (≥~22°C) deposit pollen on the ovules. Male and
thrips are active and are attracted to light, female cones have a similar timing of cone
and their response to β-myrcene is thermogenesis and similar odour
concentration dependent (previously components, so females with no known
described). At cold temperatures (≤18°C), reward may dupe the insects to visit and
thrips avoid light and do not respond to β- leave pollen. These specific traits and
myrcene regardless of the concentration insect behaviours contrast with some
(within ecologically relevant levels). This Macrozamia species that are pollinated only
mirrors field observations of thrips and by Tranes sp. weevils. In these systems, the
cones. When it is cold during the day in cones are thermogenic during the early
habitat (<~20ºC), then cones do not become evening, coinciding with increased volatile
thermogenic, and thrips do not leave cones. emissions (different chemistry from thrips-
When thrips are shaken from cold cones, pollinated cones) and weevil flight away
they move away from light and toward from the cones. Pollination by thrips
cones. At warmer ambient temperatures appears to be very efficient, with relatively
(≥~22ºC), cones become thermogenic, few thrips required per cone to pollinate
volatile emissions increase, and thrips move nearly all eggs in the cone. In addition,
to the surface of the cone, become very because thrips feed on pollen only they
active for a few minutes and then take don’t damage any other cone tissues.
flight. Tranes can damage female tissue because
they sometimes feed on sporophylls and
Made for one another: ovules. In this talk, we will present some of
Cycadothrips, pollen and our pollination methods and results, discuss
Australian Macrozamia cycads the implications of our results in terms of
efficiency of the pollination system,
Irene Terry1*, G. Walter2, C. Moore2 and R. Roemer3 summarise what we know about
Cycadothrips and their closest relatives, and
1
University of Utah, Department of Biology, Salt Lake review what we know about pollination of
City, UT 824112, USA plants by thrips.
2
University of Queensland School of Biological Sciences,
Brisbane, St. Lucia 4072, AUS
3
University of Utah, Department of Mechanical The lure of scent: allelochemicals
Engineering, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA for thrips pest management
*Correspondence: irene.terry@utah.edu
David A.J. Teulon1*, M.M. Davidson1, M-C.

Cycadothrips sp. (Aeolothripidae) and Nielsen1, N.B. Perry1, R.W.H.M. van Tol2 and W.J.
some species of the cycad genus, de Kogel2
Macrozamia (Cycadales: Zamiaceae), all
Australian endemics, are dependent 1
New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research
mutualists. In these systems, only male Limited, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch, New Zealand
2
Plant Research International, P.O. Box 69, 6700 AB,
cones provide food (pollen) and shelter for Wageningen, the Netherlands
adults and larvae, and adult thrips vector *Correspondence: teulond@crop.cri.nz
pollen to female cones. These plant–insect
interactions suggest a coevolved system, There is considerable potential to utilise
with specific plant traits that affect thrips semiochemicals (pheromones and
behaviours. Cones have a diel thermogenic alleochemicals: allomones; kairomones;
episode that occurs during the middle of the synomones) to develop new tools for thrips

pest management such as improved with rough bark, revealed little

monitoring (including surveillance for difference between the numbers of
invasive species), push-pull, lure and kill, thrips individuals and species associated
lure and infect and other technologies. This with each. Thrips species associated
paper focuses on allelochemicals as thrips with leaf-litter are believed to feed on
attractants. It reviews recent research on
fungi, however little is known of the
the intrinsic (e.g. host finding behaviour,
species specific responses, physiology) and biology of thrips associated with bark of
extrinsic (e.g. temperature, dose, mixtures, living trees. This study demonstrates a
competing host plant odours) factors great diversity of dry sclerophyll
influencing thrips responses to fungivores in an insect order that
allelochemical lures. It places this current contains only one major family of
knowledge in a historical context with a fungal-feeders, Phlaeothripidae, the
view to maximising the use of most species rich family in
allelochemicals for thrips pest management. Thysanoptera.
Diversity and abundance of thrips Dictyothrips betae, a new
(Thysanoptera) associated with tospovirus transmitting thrips
leaf-litter and bark across forest species
and tree types in southeast
Queensland Massimo Turina1*, M. Ciuffo1, L. Bosco2, G.
Mautino2 and L. Tavella2
Desley J. Tree
1
Istituto di Virologia Vegetale, Sez. di Torino, CNR,
Department of Employment, Economic Development and
Strada delle Cacce n73, Torino 10135, Italy
Innovation, Entomology Collection, 80 Meiers Rd, 2
Di.Va.P.R.A. Entomologia e Zoologia applicate
Indooroopilly, Qld 4068.
all’Ambiente, University of Torino – Via L. da Vinci 44,
Correspondence: desley.tree@deedi.qld.gov.au
10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
*Correspondence: m.turina@ivv.cnr.it
Thrips (Thysanoptera) associated with
leaf-litter in Brisbane Forest Park, Dictyothrips betae is the predominant thrips
southeast Queensland, are demonstrated species on Polygonum convolvulus and P.
to occur in higher numbers and greater dumetorum plants infected with a recently
diversity in dry sclerophyll forests than characterised tospovirus species,
in wet sclerophyll forest or rainforest. Polygonum ringspot virus (PolRSV).
Transmission experiments in controlled
Further sampling in dry sclerophyll environment (leaf disk assays) with adults
forests screened for thrips associated collected directly in the field demonstrated
with leaf-litter under two dominant tree the competence of this thrips to transmit
species, Eucalyptus major and Acacia PolRSV even if with only a 4%
melanoxylon, and simultaneously for transmission rate. However, this percentage
thrips associated with the bark of each. increased to 16% using newly hatched
Eucalyptus major hosted greater larvae fed on infected leaves for 3 days, and
numbers of thrips individuals and reared on leaf disks substituted and assayed
Acacia melanoxylon a greater diversity by DAS-ELISA every 3 days. During
of thrips species associated with their transmission experiments, insect life cycle
leaf-litter and bark. A similar sampling was also studied. By contrast, Frankliniella
occidentalis and Thrips tabaci failed to
program across two common eucalypts
transmit PolRSV in leaf disk assays. RT-
with different bark types, Eucalyptus PCR with specific primers for the
major – grey gum with flaky bark and nucleocapsid (N) protein and western blot
Eucalyptus siderophloia – grey ironbark

analysis of adult thrips to detect the N and from a single virus Tomato spotted wilt
NSs proteins confirmed the presence of the virus (TSWV) in a monotypic family to a
virus in D. betae individuals after feeding wide array of diverse plant viruses placed
for at least 5 days on healthy plants. Partial taxonomically within the Bunyaviridae, a
sequences of mitochondrial COI, nuclear family of animal viruses; from a handful of
28S ribosomal DNA and the elongation thrips vectors to 10 thrips species with
factor-1a were used for phylogenetic highly specific, propagative vector/virus
analysis of D. betae. The results confirmed relationships; and from thrips simply
a phylogenetic relationship between this transporting a virus dose to an intimate,
species and tospovirus-transmitting insects intricate co-evolving virus/host relationship.
of the genus Thrips. The uniqueness of the Current knowledge revealing the interplay
strict ecological relationship between between thrips, tospoviruses and their
PolRSV, its vector D. betae, and its plant shared plant hosts will be highlighted in the
host is underlined. context of vector biology, functional
genomics of tospoviruses, thrips
Thrips vectors and tospoviruses: transcriptomics and development of control
the rendezvous with destiny strategies for thrips-transmitted
tospoviruses. In spite of advances in our
Diane Ullman understanding of thrips-virus-plant
interactions, our global community of
Department of Entomology and Office of the Dean, entomologists, plant pathologists and crop
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,
University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis,
specialists has yet to create significant
California 95616, USA solutions for direct damage done by thrips
Correspondence: deullman@ucdavis.edu or disease problems caused by their
intimate relationship with tospoviruses. As
Consider the chance meeting of two we work together at this conference and in
entities: the thrips (Thysanoptera: days and years to follow, I challenge each
Thripidae), members of the Insecta, of us to reach for innovation, to reach for
undoubtedly the most abundant and diverse the sharing of knowledge and the creative
group of animals on the planet; and the application of scientific advances to
progenitor of the tospoviruses strategies to control thrips and tospoviruses.
(Bunyaviridae: Tospovirus): simple,
elegant, membrane-bound packages of Human antibody genes confer
protein and RNA, the planet’s experiment resistance to tospovirus (PBNV) in
in genomic strategies. The intimate tomato
relationship co-evolving between these
biological entities brings us at least 15 Akella Vani*, K. Jagadish and B.J. Nirmal Kumar
tospovirus species transmitted by at least 10
species of thrips to food, fiber and Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of
Horticultural Research, Hessarghatta Lake post,
ornamental crops worldwide. In their Bangalore-560089, India
rendezvous with destiny, new thrips vectors *Correspondence: vaniakella@yahoo.com
and tospoviruses continue to arise, leaving a
path of destruction around the globe. The Peanut bud necrosis virus (PBNV) is one of
need to protect crops against this ever the economically important tospoviruses
shifting and recalcitrant threat first brought infecting tomato in India. PBNV causes
scientists together in a USDA Workshop in yield losses up to 80% in tomato. The
1987, and draws us to Australia for The IX monoclonal antibodies were generated
International Symposium on Thysanoptera against the nucleocapsid protein of PBNV
and Tospoviruses. In the past 20 years, a using human synthetic single chain
long path of discoveries has been built: antibody library (MRC, London.). The

antibody genes were isolated and cloned determining the level of thrips infestation.
into plant expression construct with plant The density of S. dorsalis and the four other
promoter and transcription terminator. species together reached a peak
Transgenic tomatoes were generated and [12.92/shoot (S. dorsalis) and 0.74/shoot
evaluated for the presence of the gene, its (other thrips put together) during winter] at
expression and level of resistance. Plants 30-40 days after pruning when the crop was
that were positive for the presence of the in tender leaf stage and flowering had
transgene but with no detectable level of the initiated. In summer also peak populations
protein in an ELISA were susceptible, of S. dorsalis (16.48/shoot) and other four
while plants which had detectable levels species of thrips together (0.80/shoot)
were resistant to the virus when inoculated coincided with tender leaf and flowering
by sap from infected tissue. stages. Thus tender leaves were
significantly and positively correlated to
Studies on thrips of grapes in thrips density, while fully matured leaves,
South India, with special small, medium and large-sized fruits had
Reference to Scirtothrips dorsalis negative correlation. This information was
Hood crucial in timing spray interventions at
tender leaf stage. S. dorsalis took 14.35 ±
Abraham Verghese* and R. Harish 3.18 days to complete a life cycle. Thus, the
first 2-3 generations are important in
Division of Entomology, Indian Institute of Horticultural grapes. S. dorsalis infestation was
Research, Bangalore-560089, India
*Correspondence: abraham.avergis@gmail.com
positively influenced by temperature (both
maximum and minimum). Relative
Grape is an important fruit crop in India. In humidity, rainfall and wind speed had
the 1980s, surveys revealed that negative effect. Higher temperatures
Rhiphorothrips cruentatis Hood was the therefore, increase the population. This is a
main species infesting the leaves and fruits possible reason for S. dorsalis to have
of grapes. However, by the late 1990s, R. displaced R. cruentatis, as summer
cruentatis was completely replaced by temperatures have marginally risen in
Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, a probable several grape growing areas. In summer, S.
ecological homologue. Scirtothrips dorsalis dorsalis is serious; the damage on cv
causes serious ‘scab’ symptoms on fruits Bangalore Blue (a table and juice variety)
resulting in 20-30% yield loss and reduction was 5.67 % and 33.18 % in winter and
in marketability. Since 2001, a systematic summer, respectively. The efficacy of
programme has been conducted, with the synthetic, contact and botanical insecticides
objectives to study the thrips species viz., acephate 75%SP, verticel 100 SP,
complex, bioecology and seasonal endosulfan 35 EC, chlorpyriphos 20 EC,
incidence of Scirtothrips dorsalis in relation carbaryl 50 % WDP, cartap hydrochloride 5
to climate, extent of damage and develop % SP, fipronil 5 % SC, fish oil rosin soap,
suitable management. Surveys in south azadirachtin 0.03% EC, and endosulafan +
India recorded five species of thrips in azadirachtin were evaluated against S.
grape ecosystem belonging to three dorsalis on grapes using two foliar
different families; Scirtothrips dorsalis applications at 10 day intervals for two
Hood, Streothrips arorai Bhatti, years. Endosulfan followed by cartap
Haplothrips tenuipennis Bagnall, hydrochloride and carbaryl effectively
Karnyothrips flavipes Jones and controlled S. dorsalis during both seasons,
Xylaplothrips sp. The last four are new whereas, fipronil, endosulfan + azadirachtin
records for India (identified by L, A. and acephate had moderate effect and
Mound, Australia). The phenology of the verticel was least effective. Cartap
crop played a significant role in hydrochloride being more eco-friendly is

recommended for thrips management. and the virus was positively identified by
Based on these findings, the management ELISA. The onions were a late crop and a
strategies will be discussed, including combination of moisture and nutritional
aspects on future thrusts like yellow sticky stress together with IYSV affected the crop
traps, biological control and alternative severely. This is the first report of an onion
hosts. crop seriously affected by IYSV in
Australia.
Iris yellow spot virus on onions in
the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)
of New South Wales vector thrips preference and
oviposition performance in potato
Andrew Watson* and J. Mo
G. Westmore1, G.R. Allen2, N.W. Davies3 and
Yanco Agricultural Institute, Yanco, New South Wales Calum R. Wilson1,2*
2705, Australia
*Correspondence: andrew.watson@dpi.nsw.gov.au 1
Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University
of Tasmania, New Town Research Laboratories, 13 St
Onion (Allium cepa L.) production is an Johns Avenue, New Town, Tasmania 7008; Australia
2
School of Agricultural Science, University of Tasmania,
important industry in the Murrumbidgee Private Bag 54, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
Irrigation Area (MIA) of New South Wales. 3
Central Sciences Laboratory, University of Tasmania,
The region is characterised by a Private Bag 74, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
*Correspondence: Calum.Wilson@utas.edu.au
Mediterranean style climate with hot
summers and cool winters. Mean rainfall is
close to 30mm per month and therefore Breeding to improve management of virus
crops require irrigation. Onions are grown diseases generally targets the pathogen.
for the fresh market with planting taking However, vector resistance may offer
place in May to June with the early harvest valuable disease control and examples of
being carried out in late November to successfully deployment of vector
December and the late harvest in resistance are described (Jones, 1987). Host
February/March. The region also has a preference by thrips is known (Herrin and
thriving vegetable seed industry where Warnock, 2002) but the mechanisms are
onion seed is also produced. Iris yellow spot still largely unclear. Visual cues and plant
virus (IYSV) is a tospovirus that is chemistry arguably play major roles in
transmitted by onion thrips and affects thrips choice (Terry, 1997). Here we
onions, leeks, iris and lisianthus. The determined host preference and
disease was found in the United States in reproductive performance of TSWV thrips
1989 and has since been found in Australia, vectors for potato. We demonstrated
New Zealand and many other countries. differences in cultivar preference by onion
IYSV does not cause death of plants but thrips (Thrips tabaci). Further testing of
instead weakens plants and makes them onion thrips (along with tomato
more susceptible to nutritional and water (Frankliniella schultzei), and western
stress. flower thrips (F. occidentalis)) using colour
IYSV was reported from three states in cards, showed distinct colour preferences.
Australia for the first time in 2002. One of Tomato and western flower thrips preferred
these reports was from an onion seed crop yellow to all other colours (green, blue, red,
in the MIA that exhibited typical IYSV white), whilst onion thrips preferred green
lesions on the flower stalks. Since 2002 the over yellow, which was preferred to all
disease has not been implicated in yield loss others. Onion thrips also had preference for
in onions. In 2009 a commercial organic light green over mid or dark green. These
onion crop in the MIA showed typical shades were representative of potato
symptoms of IYSV. Samples were taken cultivars and reflected cultivar choices.

However, onion thrips also preferred green raised (eg Whitfield et al., 2005), yet onion
colour cards to potato leaves (of similar thrips remains the only recorded vector
shades), and in the absence of visual cues, species associated with TSWV epidemics in
retained preference for certain cultivars. potato in Tasmania, Australia (Wilson
These data suggested a role for leaf 2001). Data from Europe reaffirmed this
volatiles (perhaps inhibitory) in thrips species as an important vector. However,
choice. Preliminary analyses have highly variable transmission efficiencies
suggested differences exist in volatile have been shown with studies suggesting an
profiles of the test cultivars, including influence of host-plant preference (Brunner
terpenes previously known to influence et al., 2004) and the presence of males in
insect host location. The relative preference the population with thelytokous female-
for potato to other plant species was also only populations having low or no vector
tested with certain alternative species competence (Wijkamp et al., 1995;
attracting greater thrips than potato. This Chatzivassiliou et al., 2002). Only
result suggests careful selection of thelytokous populations of onion thrips
alternative host species may facilitate a have been found in Australia. We examined
successful decoy crop system. Distinct the ability of populations of onion thrips
differences in onion thrips reproductive collected from various host species across
performance on potato cultivars were also Australia to vector TSWV. It was found
demonstrated. As has been observed in that only onion thrips populations collected
other insect:host systems, cultivar from potato or a capeweed plant within a
preference and reproductive performance of potato field were capable of vectoring
onion thrips appeared unlinked. TSWV, with no transmission by
populations collected from onion.
Reference Molecular variability (mitochondrial COI
Jones AT, 1987. Annals of Applied Biology sequences) within the onion thrips
111:745-72. populations was assessed. All vector
Herrin B, Warnock DF, 2002. HortScience competent populations (from potato or
37:802-4 capeweed) co-located within the same
Terry LI, 1997. Host selection, phylogenetic clade, while the populations
communication and reproductive sourced from onion crops segregated to a
behaviour. CAB International. different clade. Populations from other
hosts not tested for vector capacity (eg
Genetic variability within Chrysanthemum) were located separately
Australian onion thrips (Thrips again. These results link differentiation of
tabaci Lindeman) populations and (preferred) source host, and vector
association with TSWV vector competence to genetic diversity, and
capacity suggest geographic distribution is a less
important determinant in Australian onion
G. Westmore1, F.S. Poke1, G.R. Allen2 and Calum thrips population diversity.
R. Wilson1,2*
1
Reference
Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University
of Tasmania, New Town Research Laboratories, 13 St
Brunner PC, Chatzivassiliou EK, Katis NI,
Johns Avenue, New Town, Tasmania 7008, Australia Frey JE. 2004. Heredity 93:364-70.
2
School of Agricultural Science, University of Tasmania, Chatzivassiliou EK, Peters D, Katis NI.
Private Bag 54, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia 2002. Phytopathology 92:603-9.
Wijkamp I, Almarza R, Goldbach R &
In recent literature doubts over the capacity Peters D. 1995. Phytopathology 85:1069-
of onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) to 74.
vector modern strains of TSWV have been Wilson CR. 2001. Plant Pathol. 50:402–10.

Whitfield AE, Ullman DE, & German TL. Populations of P. ichini have been
2005. Annual Reviews of Phytopathology colonised and are undergoing quarantine
43:459-89. testing in Florida to determine suitability
for release to control the weed. By
Plant genotype effects on a host revealing thrips x host plant genetic
specific thrips and the impact on compatibilities, these results have directed
biological control the next phase of the quarantine testing of
this invasive weed that show promise for
Greg S. Wheeler1*, D.A. Williams2 and L.A. Mound3 controlling this invasive weed in Florida.
1
USDA/ARS/IPRL, 3225 College Ave, Ft Lauderdale, FL,
USA 33314 Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)
2
Dept of Biology, Texas Christian University, 2300 S. in potato: epidemiology and host
University Dr, Ft Worth, TX, USA 76129 resistance
3
CSIRO Entomology PO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601,
Australia
*Correspondence: greg.wheeler@ars.usda.gov Calum R. Wilson*, A.J. Wilson, F.S. Poke, and G.
Westmore
A promising thrips, Pseudophilothrips Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University
ichini (Phlaeothripidae) has been of Tasmania, New Town Research Laboratories, 13 St
considered for biological control of the Johns Avenue, New Town, Tasmania 7008, Australia
invasive weed Brazilian pepper Schinus
terebinthifolius. This thrips was originally
collected from a southern region of Brazil TSWV Infection in potato is sporadic, but
where it was frequently found associated losses are considerable when epidemics
with significant damage to its host. occur due to disease severity. Foliar
Subsequently this thrips was introduced symptoms include leaf necrotic spotting,
into quarantine in Florida, USA to while infected tubers may show brown
determine its safety for field release to flecking to widespread necrosis. TSWV
control this weed. However, a major infections can kill young plants. Only two
limitation of the thrips population tested in vector species, onion thrips (Thrips tabaci)
quarantine was its apparent nutritional and tomato thrips (Frankliniella schultzei),
incompatibility with the genetic varieties of are routinely associated with TSWV
the host that occur in Florida. Although this epidemics in Australian potatoes (Wilson,
thrips was collected on the host in Brazil, 2001). However, population density of
its survival was less than 5% when fed the migrating thrips is a poor indicator of virus
Florida variety of Brazilian pepper. threat. TSWV sources driving epidemics in
Extensive DNA and morphological analysis potato initiate from outside the crop. Seed
of the thrips has determined that the tubers from infected crops may carry
quarantined species is incorrectly identified TSWV and replanting can lead to
and constitutes a new cryptic species significant virus incidence from tuber-borne
Pseudophilothrips n. sp. Chloroplast DNA sources. However, inefficient virus
analysis of the host revealed 14 genetic translocation to and from tubers and self-
varieties and the discovery that the new elimination of infected plants results in
species of thrips was both limited removal of most seed-borne inoculum by
geographically in Brazil and nutritionally to the following season. Distinct spatial
two Brazilian host varieties, neither of patterns of TSWV infection observed in
which occur in Florida. As a result of these potato associate with region. An edge effect
studies, individuals of the species P. ichini is obvious in some regions whereby the
have been correctly identified in Brazil. outermost rows succumb to infection
These thrips were found feeding on the suggesting movement of inoculum from
Florida variety of the host in Brazil. relatively close proximity. Alternately, in
other regions epidemics are characterised

by random distribution of infections were established. Sequence variations

throughout the crop suggestive of inoculum among individuals within species were up
arriving from greater distance. With few to 5%, and that between species within a
exceptions there is little evidence for given genus were more than 6%, and that
secondary infections within potato crops among genera were up to 60%. Moreover,
despite experimental data showing capacity sequence divergences of COI region of ~50
for spread to and from potato. Variation in species among 160 individuals were less
virus infection rate has been observed than 2% within species, and that between
between cultivars but is unlikely to provide species is mostly larger than 6%. The
significant control. In contrast substantial recognisable sequence variation between
differences in the efficiency of TSWV species of the above two amplicons showed
translocation from infected foliage to tubers that molecular characters were possibly
and from infected tubers to progeny plants utilised in thrips identification. The 96
has been demonstrated (Wilson, 2001). microplate and full-automatic capillary
Translocation of TSWV was also electrophoresis were carried out for DNA
influenced by plant age at infection and by extraction and PCR product examination of
environmental conditions. Such resistance ~800 thrips individuals concealed in the
to long distance transport of viral pathogens imported agricultural products. Two
takes on greater importance in a specific paired primers were used to
vegetatively propagated root crop like examine Frankliniella occidentalis and
potato. Thrips tabaci, which were the most
commonly found thrips in the imported
Reference agricultural products, but the former had the
Wilson CR. 2001. Plant Pathology 50:402– necessary quarantine. The results showed
10. 125 F. occidentalis and 333 T. tabaci, but
33 samples revealed the amplified products
Molecular characters of nuclear of both thrips. However, PCR products
ITS2 and mitochondrial COI in could not be obtained in 277 samples,
thrips, and the application to perhaps due to non-optimal specimen
identify thrips in imported preservation or different thrips species.
agricultural products Molecular identification results shown, it
should be important to include the positive
Wen-Bin Yeh1*, Mei-Zung Tseng1, Yin-Yin Lial1 amplified marker simultaneously when
and Niann-Tai Chan2 thrips samples were not belonging to the
1
Department of Entomology, 250, Kuo Kuang Rd.,
examined thrips.
Taichung 402, Taiwan
2
Department of Plant medicine, National Pingtung Phylogeny of Thripinae using 28S
University of Science and Technology; No .1, Hseah-Fu
Rd., Neipu, Pingtung, Taiwan 912, R.O.C.
and 18S ribosomal DNA sequences
*Correspondence: wbyeh@nchu.edu.tw
Wen-Bin Yeh*, Yi-Sheng Tsai, Mei-Zung Tseng
Molecular characters of nuclear intergenic
Department of Entomology, 250, Kuo Kuang Rd.,
spacer 2 (ITS2) and mitochondrial Taichung 402, Taiwan
cytochrome oxidase I (COI) in thrips were *Correspondence: wbyeh@nchu.edu.tw
established and applied to identify the
unknown thrips commonly found in crops. Thrips are very important agricultural pests.
Thrips samples were collected from However, the phylogenetic relationship in
localities in Taiwan, China, Thailand thrips has been discussed rarely. In this
Vietnam, Japan, and American. Nucleotide study, we are trying to use the 18S and 28S
sequences of ITS2 from ~500 individuals rDNA sequences to discuss the phylogeny
within 60 economically important thrips of Thripinae in Taiwan. Sequences about

2
2800bp of 28S rDNA from 70 individuals Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology of Yunnan
Province, Kunming 650223, China
of 30 species within 12 genera, and about *Correspondence: zhongkai99@sina.com
1800bp of 18S rDNA from 37 individuals
of 28 species within 18 genera were Tomato spotted wilt disease was first
undertaken. In 28S rDNA sequences, the described in Sichuan province of China in
uncorrected sequence divergences among 1944. The pathogen was confirmed in the
individuals within species were 0-1%, and mid-1980s by using ELISA and electron
that between species within a given genus microscopy. In 1991, diseases caused by
were 1-14.5%, and that among genera were tospoviruses were observed on tobacco in
3.5-23.2%, and is more than 25% in the Dali, Yunnan province. Since then, an
family level. The substitution pattern was increasing number of tospovirus diseases
similar between transitions and have been found in tomato, pepper,
transversions, and no saturated effect was tobacco, potato, squash, iris, Phalaenopsis,
found which indicated the sequences of the Cymbidium, faba bean, onion, Tagetes
two genes have phylogenetic information. causing significant losses. Recently,
The variable regions of 28S and 18S rDNA serological and nucleotide sequence data
sequences were excluding in phylogenetic have revealed the existence of a number of
analysis, both Neighbor-Joining and tospoviruses including TSWV, GYSV,
Bayesian inferences indicated that most TZSV, CaCV and INSV in Yunnan
thrips genera are monophyly. Results from province. Molecular analysis revealed that
28S rDNA revealed four distinct lineages in NP gene sequences of TSWV from tomato,
Thripinae; the basal one included genera of CaCV from Phalaenopsis and INSV from
Frankliniella, Bathrips, Ayyaria, Phalaenopsis have the higher identities
Scirtothrips, and Anaphothrips; and the with other isolates from different countries,
advanced lineage was composed of Thrips, respectively. The NP gene sequences of
Bolacothrips, Microcephalothrips, and GYSV from sweet pepper had a 90.4%
Stenchaetothrips. However, species of homology with GYSV from peanut
Thrips might not be a monophyletic group. (AF013994). TZSV is a distinct species of
Several Thrips species are relative to the genus Tospovirus isolated from tomato.
Microcephalothrips and Bolacothrips, and
some with a close affinity to Genetic differentiation among
Stenchaetothrips. One of the two transient various populations of Frankliniella
lineages is Megalurothrips and the other is occidentalis (Thysanoptera:
composed of Dichromothrips and Thripidae.) assessed by mtDNA
Taeniothrips. Phylogenetic inferences sequence and AFLP
depict a similar tree topology in 18S rDNA
sequences. Our results depicted partial Zhi-Jun Zhang1,2*, Q.J. Wu1, Y.J. Zhang1 and Y.B.
resolution of Thripinae phylogeny, it will Lu2
be elucidated robustly as both 18S and 28S 1
Institute of Vegetable and Flower, CAAS
rDNA sequences of each examined thrips 2
Institute of Plant protection and Microbiology, ZAAS,
were acquired simultaneously. China
*Correspondence: zhijunzhongl@hotmail.com
Occurrence and genetic diversity

of tospoviruses in Yunnan Since the late 1970s, western flower thrips,
Frankliniella occidentalis, has spread from
Z-k Zhang1,2*, J-H. Dong1,2, Y-Y. Yin 2
, X-F. its original distribution in western North
Cheng2, M. Ding1,2 and Q. Fang1,2 America to become a major worldwide crop
pest. It was first reported in 2003, in China.
1
Biotechnology and Genetic Germplasm Institute, Yunnan This pest has established stable populations
Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming 650223,
China
in Yunnan province and Beijing area, and a

temporary population in Hangzhou, the Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood) is an emerging

capital of Zhejiang Province. In order to pest of various economically important
know the origin of F. occidentalis in China, crops in South Florida. Since its discovery
we sequenced mtDNA COI from 103 in 2005 it dispersed quickly throughout the
individuals of F. occidentalis collected state. It is a threat to the fruit, ornamental
from seven regions and analysed five
and vegetable industries due to both its
populations by Amplified Fragment Length
Polymorphism (AFLP). From the direct feeding damage and its ability to
sequencing of mtDNA COI results, six spread at least six viral diseases to host
haplotypes (i.e. H1, H2, H3, H4, H5 and plants including three tospoviruses. With its
H6) were obtained, most of the individuals ability to spread all over the United States it
were concentrated in H1, H3 and H4, which has been predicted to cause an annual
were the worldwide ‘Greenhouse-strains’. damage of more than $2.0 billion. Thus,
There were four and two haplotypes in the rapid and accurate identification of this
Beijing and Yunnan populations exotic and potentially invasive taxon is
respectively. It could be assumed that there essential to implement effective plant
were different or multiple invasion origins quarantine and biological control initiatives.
of F. occidentalis in Beijing and Yunnan.
If disregarded, it could cause severe
The analysis of genetic variations among
and within five populations by AFLP economic losses or environmental damage.
markers, resulted in 196 polymorphic The small size and intraspecific
bands, and the polymorphic rate was morphological variations of chilli thrips
88.9%, which suggested that there were make the detection and differentiation from
significant high divergences among or other thrips very difficult. Considering this,
within populations. The Fst between we report certain morphometric
populations was 0.367-0.656 and the characteristics of S. dorsalis which may
overall Fst was 0.537±0.067. Neighbour- facilitate its identification. Samples of S.
joining analysis of populations revealed that dorsalis have been collected from five
Beijing population and the Netherlands different geographical regions of the world,
population clustered together distinctly, namely India, Israel, Japan, St. Vincent and
which implied that the Beijing WFT
the USA (Florida). Sizes of various body
population probably came from the
Netherlands. segments of S. dorsalis collected from
aforementioned regions were measured and
Morphometric Analysis of Chilli compared. Considering the effect of diet on
Thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis morphometric characters, we found no
(Thysanoptera: Thripidae) significant difference in size of adult fed on
Pertaining to Different different hosts. The study of putative origin
Geographical Regions of World of Florida population and establishing
relation among these five populations of S.
Vivek K. Jha1*, Dakshina R. Seal1, David J. dorsalis using molecular techniques is
Schuster2 and Garima Kakkar1 under progress.
1
University of Florida, IFAS Tropical Research and
Education Center. 18905 SW 280 Street, Homestead, FL
33031
2
University of Florida, IFAS, Gulf Coast Research and
Education Center, 14625 C.R. 672, Wimauma, FL33598
*Correspondence: vivekuf@gmail.com


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IXth International Symposium on Thysanoptera and Tospoviruses

Downloaded From: https://bioone.org/journals/Journal-of-Insect-Science on 27 Oct 2019

IXth International Symposium on Thysanoptera and

Correspondence: a denis.persley@deedi.qld.gov.au, b Calum.Wilson@utas.edu.au c john.thomas@deedi.qld.gov.au,

Published: 1 October 2010

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 2

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Thrips as pests in pome and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 6

were exposed for 48-hours and mortality *Correspondence: Tony.Burfield@sa.gov.au

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 7

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 8

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In all insect societies, semiochemicals play Commercialisation of thrips

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A Non-Structural Protein (NSs) of under investigation. Financial support:

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 11

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Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 13

Natural and artificial populations

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Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 15

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 16

Control of western flower thrips

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 17

Plant Pathology Section, Agricultural Research Western

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 18

a project to transfer WFT/TSWV

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 19

diverged between about 120 million and 70 The behavioural repertoire of

Plant compounds for modifying This study describes all behavioural

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 20

Chilli venal mottle virus (ChVMV) in hot

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 21

University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA

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Structural variation and Sources of onion thrips

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 26

and on horehound (Marrubium vulgare), incorporated in to peanut crop management

Although first reported in Georgia in 1986, Damage to vegetable crops by

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 27

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 28

December 2006 to August 2007, and populations and significant economic

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 29

Effect of reflective mulches and

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Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 32

experiments were established at Kenya

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specimens from Europe and several states

Journal of Insect Science | www.insectscience.org 34

performance of these hybrids as to yield different parts of the country. Identification