Mitigation of thrips-transmitted Tomato spotted wilt virus in tomato: An update on the current USDA RAMP project in the SE USA

The current USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service Risk Avoidance and Mitigation Program project entitled, “A Reduced-Risk System for Managing Thrips and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) in Tomato and Pepper in the Southeastern U.S.A.” has produced several important management options for tomato growers affected by this insect-transmitted virus. The last four years of experimental results are briefly summarized including the utility of TSWV-resistant plant cultivars, reflective mulch, and chemical treatments. Since TSWV is transmitted in the Southeast primarily by tobacco thrips and western flower thrips, insecticide control options may depend on the dominant vector species present.  An optimized use of available TSWV management options is proposed based on their effectiveness, costs and benefits when used alone and in combination.