Thrips and INSV
Thrips cannot transmit the virus unless they acquire INSV as first instar larvae. First instar larvae must feed on virus-infected plants. Infected thrips are produced in the greenhouse only if infected plants (including weeds), which can support thrips development, are present. Winged adult thrips are primarily responsible for viral spread. An infected thrips is able to transmit tospoviruses to at least one plant per day until its death.
Symptoms may resemble those caused by fungi, bacteria, or chemical spray injury. Infected plants may also show a wide range of symptoms depending upon the species or cultivar infected. Some of the more generic symptoms of INSV include leaf spots, necrotic areas, mottling and ring spots. Plants may also be stunted. Young plants may be especially vulnerable to infection. There is no cure for this virus. As soon as INSV is detected, rogueing of infected plant material, strict thrips management and rigorous weed control are all needed to prevent further losses.
Almost all greenhouse crops with the exception of roses and poinsettias are susceptible. Weeds may serve as a reservoir for both thrips and INSV and may not show very distinctive symptoms. Two of the more commonly infected crops, I have seen in my travels include impatiens and begonias. (See photos below).
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INSV on Impatiens |
INSV on Begonia |
| April 28, 2009 |
| April 8, 2009 |
| March 23, 2009 |
| February 4, 2009 |
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