Assessing soybean genotypes for feeding damage by Neohydatothrips variabilis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

The prevalence of soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV) in soybean (Glycine max (L.), Merr.) across major producing areas in North America and its negative impact on seed oil content demonstrate the need for effective control strategies against the virus. Varieties with resistance to vectors could modify their behavior, reduce transmission and consequently disease incidence. In this study we evaluated feeding preference of viruliferous Neohydatothrips variabilis (Beach), the primary vector of SVNV on selected genotypes with different leaf pubescence. Low feeding genotypes were studied in-depth using imaging software to assess thrips injury in high resolution. We found that damage was reduced among genotypes with low pubescence levels. Given that there is no known SVNV-resistant germplasm, identifying resistance to vectors is a promising alternative strategy. The genotypes identified in this study could be the basis for breeding N. variabilis-resistant cultivars.