Description

Abstract: Abstract: The mechanism leading to vector competence of thrips species to transmit tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is not well characterized. We investigated the interaction of TSWV and the non-vector species Frankliniella tritici. A monoclonal antibody to the non-structural protein (NSs) of the TSWV was used to detect TSWV replication within the thrips by immunofluorescence microscopy and enzyme-linked immonosorbent assay (ELISA). TSWV was acquired by F. tritici, replicated and moved within the alimentary canal of F. tritici similar to a known vector of TSWV, Frankliniella occidentalis. However, virus was not found in the salivary glands of F. tritici, which is a prerequisite to virus transmission. Thus, movement to the salivary glands may determine vector incompetence of F. tritici.