Effects of PVY-Infected Tobacco Plants on the Adaptation of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Elucidating the implications of the interactions between viruses, vectors, and host plants is crucial for controlling the occurrence of viral diseases. This study evaluated the adaptability of Myzus persicae on PVY-infected and uninfected tobacco plants using electropenetrography and an age-stage, two-sex life table. Additionally, comparison of the amino acid and soluble sugar contents in tobacco tissue at different stages of PVY infection was carried out. The results showed that the host adaptability of M. persicae differed significantly according to the target plants. M. persicae exhibited reduced the non-probing stage and increased phloem sap ingestion on PVY-infected plants. Although the nymph development time on infected plants was significantly shorter than that on uninfected plants, M. persicae reared on infected plants had reduced fecundity. Our results demonstrated that PVY could alter M. persicae‘s adaptability by changing the nutritional quality of tobacco, with divergent effects on aphids, which were observed at different infection stages. These findings will potentially improve understanding of virus-transmission dynamics of PVY and highlight the indirect mutualistic relationship between viruses and vectors via host plants. ABSTRACT: The indirect interaction between viruses and their insect vectors via the host plants can mediate viral transmission. Thus, elucidating these tripartite interactions is crucial for controlling the occurrence of viral diseases. This study examined the feeding behavior and life table parameters of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, using electropenetrography and an age-stage, two-sex life table on PVY-infected and uninfected tobacco plants. Furthermore, the amino acid and soluble sugar contents in tobacco tissue at different stages of PVY infection were determined. The results showed that PVY-infected plants exerted remarkable effects on the feeding activities of M. persicae. Aphids exhibited a reduced non-probing duration and increased phloem sap ingestion on infected plants. Although the nymph development time on the PVY-infected plants was significantly shorter than that of uninfected plants, M. persicae reared on infected plants had reduced fecundity and significantly shortened adult longevity. On day 12, the sugar: amino acid ratio of the PVY-infected plants was significantly higher than that of uninfected plants, whereas the opposite was observed on day 24. Our results demonstrated that PVY could alter the adaptability of M. persicae by modifying the nutritional quality of tobacco plants. In addition, divergent effects on aphids were observed at different infection stages, which are crucial to consider while exploring the interactions between viruses, insect vectors, and host plants. These results provided significant information for comprehending PVY spread and outbreaks.