lVectors Trips of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in Potato Crops (Solanum tuberosum L.) for Industry

In Argentina potato crops have spread the Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), transmitted in nature between plants only by some species of trips as Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips tabaci. Crops can also be infected by contaminated seeds. This study aimed at determining the presence of trips on leaves and inflorescences of the potato plant, identifying species and developmental stages during crop phenology, as well as determining the primary and secondary infection of the crop. We used two potato varieties, Innovator and Shepody, with TSWV initial percentage of 2% and 3% respectively. 10 sampling stations were determined in each field, consisting of 8 potato plants, taking a leaf and an inflorescence sample weekly basis. From each plant we took a leaflet at the beginning and all tubers at the end of its cycle, all of which underwent serological analysis. Data were analyzed statistically. Potato was an appropriate biotic support for feeding and reproduction of F. occidentalis and T. tabaci. Both were present in their different stages of development on the potato plants during the crop cycle. In both varieties were found larvae, demonstrating that a crop with secondary infection provides its own source of inoculum. All plants with TSWV infected tubers were colonized by trips, especially F. occidentalis. Not all plants that showed secondary infection of TSWV produced infected tubers.