31793 Diseases caused by thrips-vectored tospoviruses cause severe problems in many of the world's agroecosystems.
Spotted wilt is now common across the peanut growing areas of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.
TSWV and its vector TSWV present a perplexing challenge in epidemiology and disease control. Unlike the situation with many of the fungal disease and insect problems that are controlled by fungicides or insecticides, there are no viricides for control of this disease in peanut. Although several factors have been shown to provide some suppression of spotted wilt in peanut, no single measure alone has been effective in field situations of heavy disease pressure. A team approach in research and extension has been employed to improved management of spotted wilt in Georgia and Florida. This team has succeeded in identifying and combining some critical management inputs that collectively minimize the risk of losses to spotted wilt.