Risk factors

As its vectors, the thrips, are more prevalent in warm climates, TSWV is widespread in tropical and subtropical climatic zones. However, in more temperate zones, it is often related to greenhouse crop production or warm areas.

The development of TSWV infection results from a combination of different sources of infection, the presence of susceptible crops in the vicinity, weak thrips’ management and poor weed control.

Controlling weeds within and around a susceptible crop can reduce the potential virus reservoirs and also the host plants for the survival and the spread of the vectors (thrips).