Comparative genomics and interactions of vector thysanopterans and transmitted viruses

We analyzed the genomes of nine thysanopteran (thrips) species, with one newly generated, and examined their relationships with 23 representative orthotospoviruses from the family Tospoviridae (order Bunyavirales ). Thrips can be agricultural pests, contributing to measurable yield reductions in economically valuable crops and ornamentals. Some thrips species are confirmed orthotospovirus vectors, while most of the ∼7,000 identified species are unknown in their vector status. We conducted in silico protein-protein interaction predictions for several thrips proteins, including an endocuticle protein previously reported to bind to orthotospovirus glycoproteins. In most ecologically observed vector-virus pairs, the predicted protein-protein interactions were confirmed, and additional plausible vector-virus transmission interactions emerged from our analyses. These results expand our understanding of vector-virus co-evolution and highlight candidate molecular interfaces that could be targeted to disrupt virus transmission in agricultural systems.