The tospoviruses can cause significant crop loss in many agricultural commodities. They can be particularly difficult for small greenhouse growers who may not have the resources to effectively manage weed hosts and thrips vectors. The serious economic impact of this virus can also be difficult for these growers to bear. A long-term study has been initiated in North Carolina to describe key vector species and weed hosts of tospoviruses in ornamental crop production. This will enable growers to target limited control resources to maximize their effectiveness. This work includes the use of mechanical and biological control for thrips as well as studies of vector preferences.
Species 1: Thysanoptera Thripidae Frankliniella occidentalis (Western flower thrips)
Keywords: IPM, tospovirus
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