Strategies for Tospovirus management: TSWV management in peanuts
Culbreath AK, Todd JW, Brown SL
The University of Georgia, Tifton Campus, P.O. Box 748, Tifton, GA 31793-0748
Correspondence: spotwilt@tifton.uga.edu
Tomato spotted wilt caused by thrips-vectored Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is a very serious problem in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in Georgia and the southeastern U.S. TSWV and the thrips, Frankliniella fusca and Frankliniella occidentalis that vector the virus present a difficult and complicated challenge from both epidemiological and disease management perspectives. Simply controlling the vectors with insecticides has seldom resulted in significant suppression of spotted wilt. Currently there is no single measure can provide adequate control of spotted wilt where severe epidemics occur. However, integrated management systems, using cultivars with moderate to high levels of field resistance, and suppressive chemical and cultural practices, have been developed and successfully deployed for minimizing losses to this disease. Adoption of some form of integrated management regime has been extensive and rapid in peanut producing areas of the U.S. where spotted is a problem. Although complete control of spotted wilt has seldom been achieved, integrated management practices have had a huge positive impact on peanut production in the presence of TSWV. The development of a spotted risk assessment index has aided greatly in relaying the importance of using an integrated approach for spotted wilt management. Natural field resistance appears to have the most potential for improving management of spotted wilt in peanut. New cultivars with high levels of field resistance have been developed and should greatly enhance management of spotted wilt as they are adopted. Breeding lines with even greater levels of field resistance than available in current cultivars have also been developed and are being increased for possible release as cultivars.
