Differences in tomato spotted wilt virus vector competency between males and females of Frankliniella occidentalis

Possible differences in tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) transmission vecto r competency between Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: T hripidae) males and females were investigated. The males of the Dutch refer ence population NL3 transmitted TSWV at a notably higher rate (57%) than th e females (32%). The viruliferous males also transmitted more frequently wi thin the first six days after adult emergence than the females. For both se xes, the transmission efficiency dropped with age, simultaneously with the consumption rate. The higher vector efficiency for males appeared to be a g eneral phenomenon as this feature was also found for thirteen other F. occi dentalis populations, which originated from distinct geographic regions.