Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) is an important plant virus of worldwide concern that infects many species of plants and can cause catastrophic crop losses. It is transmitted by thrips and is spread through infected plant material and movement of infected soil. Infected plants show distinctive symptoms such as yellowing, wilting, and spotting on fruits and leaves. Losses due to this virus can reach up to 100% of infected crops, causing major economic losses to farmers. This virus is difficult to control as there are no known chemical or biological controls for TSWV and no resistant varieties of plants are available. As such, it is important to employ preventive practices such as crop sanitation, preventive releases of beneficial insects, and crop rotation strategies to avoid infection and spread of the virus.