Abstract
Several models have been studied on predictive epidemics of arthropod vectored plant viruses in an attempt to bring understanding to the complex but specific relationship between the three cornered pathosystem (virus, vector and host plant), as well as their interactions with the environment. A large body of studies mainly focuses on weather based models as management tool for monitoring pests and diseases, with very few incorporating the contribution of vector’s life processes in the disease dynamics, which is an essential aspect when mitigating virus incidences in a crop stand. In this study, we hypothesized that the multiplication and spread of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in a crop stand is strongly related to its influences on Frankliniella occidentalis preferential behavior and life expectancy. Model dynamics of important aspects in disease development within TSWV-F. occidentalis-host plant interactions were developed, focusing on F. occidentalis’ life processes as influenced by TSWV. The results show that the influence of TSWV on F. occidentalis preferential behaviour leads to an estimated increase in relative acquisition rate of the virus, and up to 33% increase in transmission rate to healthy plants. Also, increased life expectancy; which relates to improved fitness, is dependent on the virus induced preferential behaviour, consequently promoting multiplication and spread of the virus in a crop stand. The development of vector–based models could further help in elucidating the role of tri-trophic interactions in agricultural disease systems. Use of the model to examine the components of the disease process could also boost our understanding on how specific epidemiological characteristics interact to cause diseases in crops. With this level of understanding we can efficiently develop more precise control strategies for the virus and the vector.
Highlights
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) belongs to the genus Tospovirus, the only plant infecting genus in the family Bunyaviridae [1][2]
This paper aims to provide a specific analysis of TSWV disease dynamics in a model framework consisting of specific transmission characteristics in the Tospovirus-thrips interaction, focusing on the influences of the TSWV on F. occidentalis biology in terms of life expectancy and preferential behaviour
The considered dynamics for the interaction were based on reports that exposure of F. occidentalis to TSWV leads to a change in their preferential behaviour
Summary
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) belongs to the genus Tospovirus, the only plant infecting genus in the family Bunyaviridae [1][2]. TSWV is transmitted exclusively by thrips, with Frankliniella occidentalis (Western flower thrips) being the most efficient vector due to its large host range [1][3][4]. Tospoviruses and their complex virus–vector interaction were ranked second in a recent survey by plant virologists based on the perceived economic and scientific importance [5]. TSWV acquisition by second larval stage or by adults support infections in the midgut tissues, but the virus does not spread to the salivary glands cannot be transmitted to plants [19][20][21]
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