Virus-vector-host plant interactions: Factors that influence the spread of hemipteran-borne plant viruses
A. FERERES (1). (1) CSIC, Madrid, Spain
Several biotic and abiotic factors may alter the spread of plant viruses in the field. Among them, changes in temperature and concentration of CO<sub>2</sub> may affect the life cycle and dispersal of insect vectors of plant viruses, that will affect the temporal and spatial distribution of virus diseases. Furthermore, the presence of natural enemies may alter the behavior and dispersion patterns of insect vectors of plant viruses. We will show how the presence of aphid natural enemies may alter the distribution and spread of aphid-borne viruses. Furthermore, viral pathogens can influence the behavior and fitness of their insect vectors, by two different ways: directly-mediated by the presence of the virus in the vector’s body- and indirectly-mediated by changes occurring in the plant as a consequence of infection. It has been proposed that plant viruses may modify the behavior of their insect vectors adapting to each type of virus-vector relationship in a way that transmission efficiency is optimized. We will show examples on how plant viruses can alter the behavior and performance of their vectors to enhance their own spread.
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