Complexity and Local Specificity of the Virome Associated with Tospovirus-Transmitting Thrips Species
Marco Chiapello, Lara Bosco, M. Ciuffo, Sara Ottati, N. Salem, Cristina Rosa, Luciana Tavella, Massimo Turina
Abstract
Harnessing the insect microbiome can result in new approaches to contain their populations or the damage they cause vectoring viruses of medical, veterinary, or agricultural importance. Persistent insect viruses are a neglected component of their microbiota. In this study, for the first time, we characterize the virome associated with the two model systems for tospovirus-transmitting thrips species, of utmost importance for the direct and indirect damage they cause to a number of different crops. The thrips virome characterized includes several novel viruses, which in some cases reveal previously undescribed clades. More importantly, some of the viruses we describe are part of a core virome that is specific and consistently present in distinct geographical locations monitored over the years, hinting at a possible mutualistic symbiotic relationship with their host.