Two Viruses Better than One?

What happens when two common viruses—tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus and impatiens necrotic spot orthotospovirus—infect the same plant?

A study led by plant pathologists in the College of Agricultural Sciences found that in plants infected with both viruses, tomato spotted wilt virus levels were lower than in plants infected with this virus alone, suggesting an antagonistic relationship between the two viruses.

Cristina Rosa, professor of plant virology, said the preliminary findings provide a better understanding of these viruses, which could lead to better disease control.

"Ours is the first study that looked at these mixed infections," she said. "The knowledge generated here could eventually be used in the management of plant viruses transmitted by vectors if the plant pathways identified in this study can be manipulated to help in controlling disease in plants. Theoretically, this approach could result in economic benefits for growers."

—Katie Bohn