Can Mixed Intercropping Protect Cereals from Aphid-Borne Viruses? An Experimental Approach

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Entomology
• Plant Pathology

Background:

• Intercropping is a strategy to manage insect pests in agriculture.
• The cereal aphid Rhopalosiphum padi transmits Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV-PAV), significantly impacting cereal production.
• Understanding intercropping effects on aphid populations and virus transmission is crucial for sustainable agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of winter barley intercropped with clover in reducing Rhopalosiphum padi populations.
• To assess the impact of this intercropping system on BYDV-PAV incidence in cereal fields.

Main Methods:

• Experimental arenas with barley plants, intercropped with varying densities of clover, were established.
• Viruliferous Rhopalosiphum padi (alate or wingless morphs) were introduced into the arenas.
• Aphid population size, plant infestation, and virus infection rates were monitored after 13 days.

Main Results:

• Clover presence altered aphid progeny distribution, reducing spread from alate founders.
• Clover significantly reduced aphid population size originating from wingless founders.
• Despite effects on aphid populations, clover did not alter BYDV infection rates in barley.

Conclusions:

• Winter barley intercropped with clover can suppress cereal aphid populations.
• The intercropping system did not reduce Barley yellow dwarf virus incidence, indicating complex virus spread dynamics.
• Further research is needed to understand the interactions within the BYDV pathosystem and intercropping benefits.