Development of an assay system using thrips-mediated inoculation to evaluate resistance of Capsicum spp. to Tomato spotted wilt virus

Considerable losses in pepper production by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) have been reported worldwide. In breeding programs, an assay for resistance that accurately estimates field occurrence of TSWV during pepper production is critical because the virus is vector transmitted. Here, we establish an assay system of TSWV-resistant Capsicum spp. using insect-mediated inoculation within an acrylic chamber in which environmental conditions such as temperature, light intensity, and nutrient supply are controlled. This chamber enables transmission of TSWV from viruliferous plants to plants used in the resistance assay with Frankliniella occidentalis safely, quickly, and precisely.