Differential Performance of Vector and Non-Vector Planthoppers on Virus-Infected vs. Mock-Infected Plants

Area of Science:

• Plant pathology
• Entomology
• Molecular biology

Background:

• The southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) is transmitted by the white-backed planthopper (WBPH) but not the brown planthopper (BPH).
• Understanding how virus infection affects vector and non-vector herbivores is crucial for studying virus-plant-herbivore interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of SRBSDV infection in rice on the performance of WBPH and BPH.
• To analyze SRBSDV-induced changes in rice plant defense mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of WBPH and BPH performance on SRBSDV-infected and healthy rice plants.
• Measurement of plant defense compounds (salicylic acid) and gene expression (ICS1, NPR1).

Main Results:

• SRBSDV infection prolonged WBPH male nymph development, increased adult longevity, enhanced feeding, and reduced fecundity.
• BPH exhibited reduced nymph survival and fecundity on infected plants.
• SRBSDV infection elevated salicylic acid levels and upregulated SA-related genes (ICS1, NPR1) in response to WBPH, but not BPH, feeding.

Conclusions:

• SRBSDV manipulates rice plant defenses to favor its vector (WBPH) by enhancing vector performance and transmission efficiency.
• The virus negatively impacts the fitness of a competing non-vector (BPH), potentially reducing interspecific competition.
• This study advances the understanding of complex virus-plant-herbivore interactions and vector-specific manipulation strategies.