2015
The role of thrips and host ranges in the disease of cycle of soybean vein necrosis virus in Iowa
Home
Contributor/Checkoff:
Iowa Soybean Association
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Crop protectionDiseaseField management
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Daren Mueller, Iowa State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Steve Whitham, Iowa State University
Project Code:
450-30-30
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Iowa Soybean Association
(n/a)
Institution Funded:
Iowa State University
(n/a)
Brief Project Summary:

Soybean vein necrosis virus belongs to the tospovirus group, which is vectored by thrips and possibility other insects. Currently, there is little known about this new virus and there are no management recommendations. By focusing on disease basics, this research answers questions about if/when this disease will be a problem. With the identification of thrips species that vector it, scouting can determine their threat. These data will help farmers and agronomists better understand if and when spraying insecticide will manage thrips and this virus. This will provide information for integrated pest management. Work also determine if SVNV affects soybean yield or seed quality and if other host plants are important virus development.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents

Information And Results
Project Deliverables

1. Information on the species, movement, and distribution of thrips in the Midwest.
2. Recommendations on the value of insecticides on thrips-transmitted viruses.
3. Further knowledge on the effect of SVNV on soybean yield or seed quality.

Final Project Results

Our most interesting finding to date is about how SVNV affects yield and seed quality. We are working with plant pathologist at Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Delaware and Alabama to pinpoint the effects of SVNV on soybean yield and seed quality. Our findings include:
• SVNV does not appear to negatively affect yield loss.
• SVNV does infect seed quality though. Infected plants will produce seed that has significantly less oil. This matches some research from 40+ years ago for other viruses.
• There are also changes in the levels of fatty acids, and carbohydrates.
• Results also suggested a possible change in germination rates, plant height, and seed size. Although further research is needed to confirm.
We combined these results into a peer-reviewed publication with the pathologists from the states listed above.
Total thrips numbers from Iowa for 2014 show a definite increase in numbers as the season progressed.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.