Surreal image of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus spreading across crops.

Decoding the Threat: How Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus is Impacting Crops Worldwide

Elliot Brynn in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into the spread of TSWV and its impact on global agriculture, focusing on recent findings in Bosnia and Herzegovina and strategies for growers."

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is one of the most economically important plant viruses worldwide, impacting a wide range of crops. The virus, a member of the genus Tospovirus, is known for its ability to infect over a thousand plant species, causing significant yield losses and economic disruption for farmers globally. Understanding the epidemiology and management of TSWV is crucial for safeguarding agricultural productivity.

TSWV's impact is amplified by its efficient transmission mechanisms. The virus spreads through infected plant materials, various thrips species, and its broad host range. This makes controlling its spread challenging, and once a plant is infected, there is no effective cure. Therefore, preventative measures and early detection are essential for mitigating the damage caused by TSWV.

Recent research has shed light on the prevalence and genetic diversity of TSWV in various regions. For instance, a 2016 study conducted in the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) investigated the presence and distribution of TSWV in vegetable, ornamental, and tobacco plants. This study, which combined serological and molecular techniques, provides valuable insights into the virus's genetic makeup and evolutionary patterns in that region, and has implications worldwide.

TSWV: A Closer Look at the Virus and Its Impact

Surreal image of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus spreading across crops.

TSWV particles are membrane-bound, spherical structures containing three single-stranded RNA segments, named L, M, and S. The L segment encodes for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), crucial for viral replication. The M segment encodes for glycoproteins (Gn and Gc) and a nonstructural protein (NSm) involved in cell-to-cell movement. The S segment encodes for a nonstructural protein (NSs), which suppresses gene silencing, and the nucleocapsid protein N.

The N protein's ability to move intracellularly, utilizing the actomyosin/ER system, facilitates the formation of motile cytoplasmic inclusions. The NSs protein also plays a vital role in Frankliniella occidentalis transmission, ensuring the maintenance of thrips infection. These complex mechanisms highlight the virus's sophisticated strategies for survival and propagation.

Systemic Translocation: TSWV spreads within infected plants, making it difficult to eradicate once established.
Thrips Vectors: Thrips species efficiently transmit the virus, contributing to its rapid spread across different plants and regions.
Wide Host Range: With over 1300 susceptible plant species, TSWV can easily jump between different crops and weed species.
No Curative Treatment: There is currently no cure for TSWV, making prevention the best strategy.

In the 2016 study in Republic of Srpska, researchers collected 112 samples from various plant species across 11 locations. Using DAS-ELISA and RT-PCR assays, they identified TSWV in 24% of the tested plants, particularly in pepper and tobacco crops. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the TSWV isolates shared a similar genetic pool with isolates from Europe and Russia, highlighting the interconnectedness of viral populations across different geographical regions. The findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring and coordinated management strategies to control TSWV.

Looking Ahead: Managing TSWV in a Changing World

Effective TSWV management requires a multifaceted approach, including integrated pest management strategies, resistant varieties, and continuous monitoring. By staying informed and proactive, growers can protect their crops and livelihoods from the devastating impact of TSWV.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s10658-017-1313-7, Alternate LINK

Title: Molecular Identification Of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus On Pepper And Tobacco In Republic Of Srpska (Bosnia And Herzegovina)

Subject: Horticulture

Journal: European Journal of Plant Pathology

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Duška Delić, Bachir Balech, Mariana Radulović, Zorica Đurić, Biljana Lolić, Monica Santamaria, Gordana Đurić

Published: 2017-08-16

Everything You Need To Know

What is Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), and why is it considered a major threat to global agriculture?

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, or TSWV, is a plant virus known for its broad host range, affecting over a thousand plant species. This capability leads to significant yield losses and economic disruption for farmers globally. Its efficient transmission mechanisms, including spread through infected plant materials and various thrips species, make it a formidable threat to agriculture.

What are the primary factors that contribute to the rapid spread and difficulty in controlling Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) in crops?

TSWV spreads within plants through systemic translocation, making it difficult to eradicate once established. Thrips species act as efficient vectors, transmitting the virus rapidly. Its wide host range, encompassing over 1300 plant species, allows it to jump between different crops and weed species. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for TSWV, which makes preventative measures the most effective strategy.

What specific findings did the 2016 study in the Republic of Srpska reveal about the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV)?

The 2016 study conducted in the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) used DAS-ELISA and RT-PCR assays to identify TSWV in 24% of the tested plants, especially in pepper and tobacco crops. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the TSWV isolates shared a similar genetic pool with isolates from Europe and Russia. This highlights the interconnectedness of viral populations across different geographical regions and emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and coordinated management strategies.

Can you explain the function of the RNA segments L, M, and S within TSWV particles and their roles in viral replication and transmission?

TSWV particles contain three single-stranded RNA segments named L, M, and S. The L segment encodes for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is crucial for viral replication. The M segment encodes for glycoproteins (Gn and Gc) and a nonstructural protein (NSm), involved in cell-to-cell movement. The S segment encodes for a nonstructural protein (NSs), which suppresses gene silencing, and the nucleocapsid protein N. Understanding the function of each segment is crucial for developing targeted control measures. Further research into these specific viral components could lead to innovative strategies to disrupt TSWV's life cycle.

What comprehensive strategies can growers implement to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) on their crops?

Effective TSWV management requires a multifaceted approach, integrating strategies such as integrated pest management, the use of resistant varieties, and continuous monitoring. Integrated pest management involves using various methods to control thrips populations, reducing the likelihood of TSWV transmission. The use of resistant varieties can prevent or reduce the severity of TSWV infections, protecting crops. Continuous monitoring is essential for early detection of TSWV, allowing for prompt action to prevent its spread. This approach ensures that growers are proactive and informed, minimizing the devastating impact of TSWV.