Life Cycle-Based Host Range Analysis for Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus in Korea

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Virology
• Entomology

Background:

• Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is a significant agricultural pest, transmitted by thrips, causing substantial economic losses globally.
• Identifying natural hosts is crucial for managing TSWV spread and impact on crop production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively identify natural host species of TSWV in South Korea.
• To assess the role of weeds as potential reservoirs for TSWV.

Main Methods:

• Field surveys were conducted from 2008 to 2011 across five South Korean regions known for TSWV occurrence.
• A total of 1,104 plant samples, comprising 144 species from 40 families (crops and weeds), were collected.
• Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect TSWV presence in collected samples.

Main Results:

• TSWV was detected in 73 samples, representing 23 crop species, including five from the Solanaceae family.
• Crucially, 42 distinct weed species were confirmed as natural hosts of TSWV.
• These weed species, with varied life cycles, were identified as potential virus reservoirs during crop-free periods.

Conclusions:

• This study provides an updated and extensive list of TSWV natural hosts in South Korea.
• Weed species play a critical role in the epidemiology of TSWV, acting as reservoirs between crop cycles.
• Effective TSWV management strategies must consider the control of weed hosts.