Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus on Peanuts

I the last decade, tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) has become widely distributed across Alabama on many field, vegetable, and floral crops. About 300 plant species, mainly broadleafs, are hosts of TSWV. In addition to peanut, other important crops grown in the Southeast that are susceptible to this virus include tomato, pepper, potato, cucurbits, lettuce, eggplant, and tobacco. Chrysanthemum, gloxinia, gladiolus, impatiens, and begonia are among the floral hosts of TSWV. So far, the only weed host of this virus found in Alabama peanut fields is Florida beggarweed. TSWV is spread from plant to plant by seven thrips species, two of which are found in peanut in Alabama. Severe disease-related losses have occurred when earlyseason vegetable crops or tobacco are established prior to planting peanuts and in areas with an extended peanut planting season, like that found in south Texas.