The Complete Tospovirus Resource Page - Background Information

 

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The goal of this host list is to provide a complete list of tospovirus incidence worldwide, including all known 'species' of tospoviruses.

Many host lists for tomato spotted wilt virus have been published over the years. However, with the emergence and identification of new tospoviruses, an updated list seemed a necessity.

In the list included at this website, we have differentiated between the sources of the infection. Specifically, whether the infection was natural or experimentally induced, and if experimental whether it was mechanically or thrips inoculated. This is critical information when considering the susceptibility of the plant to the virus. In some cases only mechanical inoculation has proven successful in infecting a species, leading us to believe that this may not be a susceptible plant under natural situations.

Also included in the database is the location of the infected plant material, be it within a greenhouse or in the field. The importance of these conditions we leave in your hands, do with the information what you will.

 Some previously published lists did not make these distinctions, resulting in an inflated number of susceptible plants.

Plant species and family nomenclature were clarified with many reference books. These are referred to within the list. Correct us if there are any mistakes (we are entomologists, not botanists!). The citations included begin with the earliest known and continue through the first positive serological results. If a species has tested positive for more than one isolate, that is listed. Geographical location has also been included. However, due to lack of space (and patience) we do not list all the individual varieties and cultivars of particular species.

By all accounts this list is cumbersome, and when printed out takes more than 80 pages (not including references). Organizing it on this web site we hope to make it user-friendly, allowing you to search and reference particular plant species, families or citations. For ease of use I have broken down the species list by family groups, and have included common names whenever possible. Use the search feature to find specifics, or click on the family name to search under that heading. Good luck!

In addition, unlike some previously published lists, which cited earlier lists, we have verified the original citations and refer to them directly.