Improving management and resilience to thrips in lettuce in Florida

Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) is an emerging threat to lettuce production in the US with significant cases reported in California and Arizona States. The primary vector transmitting INSV is the Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), which poses a significant economic risk to lettuce crops. Understanding the prevalence of both INSV and its vector is crucial for protecting lettuce. However, there is limited information on their prevalence in Florida's lettuce crops. This study aims to provide insights into INSV and thrips populations to enhance disease resilience in lettuce cultivation in Florida. We monitored INSV in lettuce farms in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), a major lettuce growing region in southern Florida. Six commercial farms were surveyed, with ten lettuce heads collected from each, totaling 60 heads. These samples were tested for INSV infection using reverse-transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assays. Additionally, Western flower thrips populations in commercial lettuce farms in the EAA were also monitored using pan traps. The results of the INSV and thrips monitoring, and future study plans will be discussed. By monitoring INSV and thrips populations, this research aims to contribute to the development of integrated management strategies for Western flower thrips, ultimately aiding in the management of INSV in lettuce.