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Assessing aphids potato virus Y-transmission efficiency: A new approach
Sébastien Boquel1, Arnaud Ameline, Philippe Giordanengo
1GIE, Station de Recherche et de Création Variétale du Comité Nord, 76110 Bretteville-du-Grand-Caux, France. sebastien.boquel@u-picardie.fr
Journal of Virological Methods
|September 3, 2011
Summary
This study introduces a new method for assessing Potato virus Y (PVY) transmission efficiency by aphids. Myzus persicae demonstrated high PVY transmission, while other aphid species varied in efficiency and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Plant Virology
- Entomology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Potato virus Y (PVY) causes significant crop losses globally.
- Accurate assessment of PVY transmission efficiency by aphid vectors is crucial for disease management.
- Existing methods for evaluating vector efficiency, such as the relative efficiency factor (REF), require optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an alternative method for optimizing the relative efficiency factor (REF) assessment of PVY transmission.
- To evaluate the transmission efficiency of PVY by seven different aphid species.
- To analyze aphid probing behavior using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique to understand transmission dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in vitro micropropagated potato plantlets for homogeneous experimental material.
- Employed the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique to determine species-specific acquisition access periods (AAPs) and probing behaviors.
- Quantified PVY transmission rates and calculated REFs for each aphid species.
Main Results:
- Myzus persicae showed the shortest AAP (11 min) and the highest PVY transmission rate (83.3%).
- Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Sitobion avenae exhibited efficient PVY transmission, though with lower REFs than M. persicae.
- Rhopalosiphum padi and Aphis fabae did not transmit PVY; Acyrthosiphon pisum and Brevicoryne brassicae were poor vectors.
Conclusions:
- The study presents a novel approach to REF evaluation, incorporating aphid behavior.
- Aphid probing behavior, particularly AAP, is a critical factor influencing PVY transmission efficiency.
- Myzus persicae emerged as a highly efficient PVY vector, highlighting the importance of considering specific aphid species in disease management strategies.
