Effect of Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus on the fecundity and longevity of vector, the Aphid Aphis gossypii, in Souk Ahras (East Algeria)

Abstract

Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV) is one of the most important viral diseases of cucurbits in (East Algeria) and the world and it can be vectored by Aphids. Cotton (melon) Aphid, Aphis gossypii, is one of the most common insects in the Souk Ahras of (East Algeria) that can efficiently transmit ZYMV from infected to healthy cucurbit plants. The results of this study indicate that the vector insect, Aphis gossypii had significantly higher fecundity and longevity on zucchini plants infected with ZYMV compared with healthy plants. The massive reproduction and longer longevity of the vectoring (transmitting) insect (A. gossypii) on ZYMV infected plants can exacerbate the losses caused by both the insect pest (Aphids) and the viral disease agent (ZYMV) to zucchini and other cucurbit plants. The control of Aphids (the vector) is extremely important and can minimize the losses caused by both plant pests and can also reduce both primary (between fields) and secondary (within field) transmission of ZYMV.