New field-based tool for detection of multiple thrips transmitted plant viruses

Agdia, Inc. announces the addition of a new product to their ImmunoComb^® line to help growers detect and combat plant viruses that cause similar symptoms in addition to sharing a common insect vector. The new Thrips Spot Viruses ImmunoComb^® brings together three existing ImmunoStrips^® in one easy-to-use format.

Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), Tobacco streak virus (TSV) and Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) are all commonly spread by thrips and can cause similar spot-like symptoms on many plant species. Such visual similarities in the presence of a common vector underscore the unreliability of visually identifying the causal pathogen, further emphasizing the need for reliable and easy-to-use onsite diagnostic test methods.

Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV, Orthotospovirus) is an enveloped and spherical-shaped virus that infects over 600 plant species. While the virus is primarily spread by western flower thrips (WFT), it can also spread effectively via cuttings (vegetative propagation). From entire fields of lettuce in the Southwest to widespread distribution of infected African Violet cuttings on the East Coast, INSV outbreaks have covered much of the United States in recent years.

Symptoms of INSV infection vary by host, but often include brown, purple or sunken spots on leaves, brown spots on stems, chlorosis, necrosis, stunting and ringspots.

Tobacco streak virus (TSV, Ilarvirus) has a wide host range consisting of nearly 200 plant species, causing significant economic losses in crops ranging from dahlias and other ornamentals to vegetable and field crops.

While some infected plants are asymptomatic, symptoms vary between hosts and include spots, mosaic patterns, necrotic streaking, stunting, apical necrosis and leaf deformation. Tobacco streak virus is spread by several thrips species but can also be spread via propagative cuttings and infected seed.

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is another member of the Orthotospovirus genus capable of infecting many different crops of economic significance. According to the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI), TSWV is now considered to be among the top 10 ″most economically destructive plant viruses with worldwide losses exceeding 1 billion dollars annually.″ It is spread by several different species of thrips. Symptoms include (but are not limited to) small brown spots or flecks, ring spots, chlorosis, necrotic patches and more.

The Thrips Spot Viruses ImmunoComb^® for INSV, TSV and TSWV allows growers to conveniently and simultaneously detect or rule out infections of each virus in a single sample. This product is sold in kits of 8 combs consisting of 3 ImmunoStrips^® each, and kits include the buffer-filled extraction bags necessary to perform a test.  Agdia provides a one-year warranty on all purchased products along with an unrivaled level of customer support.

ImmunoStrip^® and ImmunoComb^® are registered trademarks of Agdia, Inc

Acknowledgements: Thank you to Robert Wick (University of Massachusetts, Bugwood.org) for providing Figures 2 and 4, and to Howard F. Schwartz (Colorado State University, Bugwood.org) for providing Figure 3.