Virus Decline of Strawberry in California and the Role of Insect Vectors and Associated Viruses

Abstract

Greenhouse white fly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood); western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande); and strawberry aphid, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell), are common pests of strawberries in California and are vectors of one or more viruses. Most of the viruses transmitted by these vectors do not cause symptoms on strawberry when the infection occurs individually. However, when one of the viruses (Beet pseudoyellows virus or Strawberry pallidosis-associated virus) transmitted by T. vaporariorum is present along with one of the viruses transmitted by F. occidentalis, C. fragaefolii, or other sources, it results in a virus decline of strawberry, which can cause significant crop losses. Stunted root and plant growth, purple coloration of foliage, and dieback of the plant are some of the symptoms associated with virus decline. Increases in T. vaporariorum infestations during the past few years significantly elevated the risk of whitefly as a crop pest and a disease vector. This article reviews virus decline of strawberry, symptoms of infection, and the current status of insect vectors in California strawberries. Accepted for publication 17 November 2015. Published 20 November 2015.