P-456 - Epidemiology of Emerging and Re-emerging Plant Viruses in Georgia Agriculture

Georgia's rural economy heavily relies on agriculture, with food and fiber crops generating over $14.7 billion annually. The favorable environment, allowing for cultivation of major crops like cotton, peanuts, and vegetables during the summer and fall, also fosters the spread and evolution of plant viruses. A primary concern for sustainable agriculture in Georgia is insect-transmitted viruses which cause significant yield and economic loss. These include the aphids-borne cotton leafroll dwarf virus affecting cotton, the thrips-transmitted tomato spotted wilt virus impacting peanut, tomato, tobacco, and pepper, and a complex of whitefly-transmitted viruses affecting cucurbits (cucurbit leaf crumple virus, cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus, cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus, and squash vein yellowing virus) and tomatoes (tomato yellow leaf curl virus and tomato chlorosis virus). Furthermore, aphids-transmitted papaya ringspot virus and zucchini yellow mosaic virus, which are also prevalent in cucurbits. Melon growers are also concerned about emerging viruses like watermelon crinkle leaf associated virus 1 and 2, where the mode of transmission is unknown. Currently, managing these complex virus diseases depends heavily on chemical control for vector management, combined with integrated pest management strategies. This study emphasizes the challenges and potential research avenues for managing the intricate web of virus diseases within Georgia's agricultural ecosystem.