TOMATO SPOTTED WILT VIRUS SURVEY AMONG GREENHOUSE ORNAMENTALS IN PENNSYLVANIA

Symptoms associated with infection by the tomato spotted with virus (TSWV) were documented among bedding, potted, perennial, and foliage plants growing in commercial greenhouses in Pennsylvania. Previously unreported hosts were identified, including four bedding, seven potted, 16 perennial, and seven foliage plants. Of 316 bedding plants infected, 95% were infected with the impatiens strain of TSWV (TSWV-I), and impatiens (Impatiens wallerana) and begonias (Begonia spp.) were most frequently infected. Of the 266 potted plants infected, 93% were infected with TSWV-I, and cineraria (Senecio x hybridus), cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), and New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens x hybridus) were the most frequently infected. Of the 85 perennial plants infected, 96% were infected with TSWV-I, and buttercup (Ranunculus spp.) and bee balm (Monarda didyma) were most frequently infected. The 38 foliage plants all were infected with TSWV-I.