Preference by a virus vector for infected plants is reversed after virus acquisition

Area of Science:

• Plant pathology
• Entomology
• Virology

Background:

• Pathogen-vector interactions influence disease dynamics in host populations.
• Plant viruses can manipulate host plant traits to enhance vector attraction and transmission.
• Previous studies show vector preference shifts after pathogen acquisition in some pathosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate vector preference changes in the potato-Myzus persicae (aphid)-Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) pathosystem.
• To determine if PLRV manipulates potato plant volatiles to influence aphid behavior.
• To assess the impact of altered vector preference on virus spread.

Main Methods:

• Dual-choice bioassays were conducted with non-viruliferous and viruliferous Myzus persicae (M. persicae).
• Aphid settlement preference was tested on PLRV-infected versus non-infected potato plants.
• Responses to headspace volatiles from infected and control plants, and synthetic volatile blends, were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Non-viruliferous M. persicae preferred PLRV-infected potato plants.
• Viruliferous M. persicae exhibited a reversed preference, favoring non-infected plants.
• This behavioral shift was mediated by volatile cues from infected and control plants.

Conclusions:

• Potato leaf roll virus alters potato plant volatiles, changing aphid vector preference after virus acquisition.
• This behavioral manipulation by PLRV likely enhances virus acquisition and transmission rates.
• The findings highlight a sophisticated strategy employed by viruses to facilitate their spread via insect vectors.