Transmission of ilarviruses by Frankliniella occidentalis
The role of Frankliniella occidentalis (EPPO A2 pest) in the transmission of prunus necrotic ringspot ilarvirus (PNRSV) and prune dwarf ilarvirus (PDV) was studied in a joint Australian/US project.
Cucumber seedlings were dusted with pollen from PRNSV and PDV infected sweet and sour cherry trees and subsequently placed in a cage with F. occidentalis. Up to 75% (average 20%) of the seedlings became infected by the viruses. Seedlings which were dusted with the infected pollen but not subjected to the western flower thrips did not get infected with the exception of one seedling. The overall transmission of PDV was four times greater than that of PNRSV and PDV was still transmitted by infected pollen which was stored at a temperature of -20° C for a period of two years.
Greber, R.S.; Teakle, D.S.; Mink, G.I. (1992) Thrips-facilitated transmission of prune dwarf and prunus necrotic ringspot viruses from cherry pollen to cucumber.
Plant Disease 76, 1039-1041.