TSWV-induced differentially expressed transcripts in Frankliniella fusca at three life stages

Thrips transmitted Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) (Tospovirus, Bunyaviridae) is a propagative and single stranded RNA virus. Frankliniella fusca [Hinds] (Thysanoptera; Thripidae) is one of the main vectors of TSWV. For successful TSWV transmission, the virus must be acquired by early instar thrips larvae. If adults acquire TSWV for the first time, they cannot transmit the virus. Such stage specific acquisition and inoculation of TSWV by thrips could potentially lead to varying molecular interactions at each life stage. Information on TSWV-induced stage specific changes in thrips at transcript levels is limited and confined to one species (Frankliniella occidentalis [Pergande]). The main objective of this study was to examine transcriptome level responses of virus-exposed F. fusca at larva, pupal, and adult stages.