A New Dominantly Inherited Source of TSWV Resistance in Tomato Derived from L. chilense, which Resists Isolates that Overcome Sw-5

Abstract

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), a tospovirus, is a thrips-vectored disease infecting more than 1000 species of both monocots and dicots, including many species of agriculture importance. TSWV is the limiting factor for tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) production in several areas of the world. For a number of years, the Sw-5 gene (derived from L. peruvianum Mill.) has provided acceptable control of this disease. Recently, Sw-5 derived resistance has been overcome by virulent pathogen isolate(s) in tomato production areas such as Spain and Italy. In earlier studies, we identified a potential new source of resistance to TSWV derived from L. chilense Dun. accession LA 1938. In a set of recent field studies, it was demonstrated that this putative new source of resistance was highly resistant to TSWV in Hawaii, Florida/Georgia, and South Africa. Furthermore, greenhouse screening trials have clearly demonstrated that the L. chilense source of TSWV resistance is resistant to isolates that overcome tomatoes homozygous for Sw-5. In these same greenhouse and field studies, there is uniform evidence that this resistance is dominant. Subsequent greenhouse studies suggest that this resistance is controlled by a single gene. Studies have been initiated to verify the inheritance of the gene(s) and to develop linked molecular markers. Furthermore, studies are under way in Australia to test this resistance on non-TSWV tospoviruses. If the data demonstrate that this is a single dominant gene we suggest this gene be designated Sw-7.