In the mid 1980's spotted
wilt was found in Georgia. The disease did not become a major a problem until
1989 in Georgia when fields of tobacco, peanut, or tomato reported spotted
wilt disease incidence exceeding 50%. Losses in Georgia peanut grew to $43.3
million in 1997.
So what causes spotted wilt? Spotted wilt disease is caused by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). TSWV is a virus belonging to the Tospovirus group, a group of plant viruses in the family Bunyaviriadae (which is the same family in which Rift Valley Fever and the Hanta Virus, animal viruses, are classified).
Spotted wilt was first described in tomato in Australia in 1919. Over time TSWV has been found in virtually all agricultural areas of the world. It is known to infect more than 650 different plant species and more plants are being reported as host of the virus. TSWV is spread by an insect called thrips. The thrips species of most concern in Georgia are Franklienella fusca and F. occidentalis.
(image
to the left from Dr. Todd, Univeristy of Georgia)
To Learn more about
TSWV in Georgia Peanut check out the S.W.E.A.T. home page 
