The population genetic structure of North Carolina populations of Thrips tabaci and its implications for competency of T. tabaci to transmit tomato spotted wilt virus

The population genetic structure of Thrips tabaci individuals collected from four different locations in North Carolina was examined using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit one genetic markers (mtCOI) and microsatellite markers. Genetic divergence of mtCOI sequences, geographic structuring of populations, and the abundance and distribution of clonal groups among these populations were analyzed. Additionally, data obtained from a previous study on variation in transmission of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) among isofemale lines initiated with individuals used in this population genetic study were reanalyzed to examine the contribution of thrips genetic structure to variation in transmission using clonal assignments as one independent variable in a model describing variation in transmission efficiency of TSWV. Population genetic structure of T. tabaci in NC is discussed, along with the potential implications of population structuring on the role of T. tabaci as a vector of TSWV.