Differences in tomato spotted wilt virus vector competency between males and females of <i>Frankliniella occidentalis</i>

Abstract

Abstract Possible differences in tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) transmission vector competency between Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) males and females were investigated. The males of the Dutch reference population NL3 transmitted TSWV at a notably higher rate (57%) than the females (32%). The viruliferous males also transmitted more frequently within the first six days after adult emergence than the females. For both sexes, the transmission efficiency dropped with age, simultaneously with the consumption rate. The higher vector efficiency for males appeared to be a general phenomenon as this feature was also found for thirteen other F. occidentalis populations, which originated from distinct geographic regions.