Abstract
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is transmitted by the Bemisia tabaci pest Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) in China. Isaria fumosorosea is a fungal pathogen of B. tabaci. However, the effects of fungal infection on TYLCV expression and transmission by MEAM1 are unclear. In this study, potted tomatoes containing second instar nymphs of MEAM1 were treated with I. fumosorosea IfB01 strain and the relationship between fungal infection in MEAM1 and its TYLCV transmission capacity was investigated. The results indicated that a significantly (p < 0.05) decreased incidence of transmission of TYLCV-infected plants (ITYPs) transmitted by second instar nymphs of MEAM1 infected with fungus. Further, we found a negative correlation between fungal conidial concentrations and eclosion rates of MEAM1, and a positive correlation between ITYPs and eclosion. In addition, when each plant was exposed to three adults treated with fungus, a significantly decreased transmission of TYLCV (TYTE) was observed in the infected group. However, the incidence of TYLCV-carrying MEAM1 adults (ITYAs) was not significantly different in the infected and control groups (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, a significant decrease in viral accumulation using TYLCV AC2 gene as a marker was observed in the fungus-infected MEAM1. In conclusion, the results suggested that I. fumosorosea infection decreases TYLCV accumulation in MEAM1 and subsequently reduces its transmission. Our study provides new insights into the relationship between host plant, plant virus, insect vector, and entomopathogenic fungus.
Highlights
Bemisia tabaci, is an important insect species comprising harmful pests: Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1, i.e., B-biotype) and Mediterranean species (MED, i.e., Q-biotype) [1,2]
The results indicated that Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) were found in 17/30 adults in the treatment group and 18/30 adults in the control group (Fig 5), which indicated that the incidence of TYLCV-carrying MEAM1 adults (ITYAs) in the treatment and control groups were not statistically different
We first focused on the relationship between tomato, TYLCV, MEAM1, and I. fumosorosea
Summary
Bemisia tabaci, is an important insect species comprising harmful pests: Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1, i.e., B-biotype) and Mediterranean species (MED, i.e., Q-biotype) [1,2]. B. tabici transmits the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), which is a begomovirus infecting plant species, resulting in agricultural damage [1,2]. The TYLCV epidemic is associated with the invasion and spread of MEAM1 and MED. Viral spread to non-host plants may lead to association with the insect for its entire 4- to 5-week adult life. During this period, the ability of the insects to inoculate plants is steadily decreased. The long-term presence of TYLCVs in B. tabaci is associated with decline in insect life span and fertility. Due to the complex interaction between host factors in the plants, viruses, insect vectors and environment, it is essential to understand the mechanisms and patterns of interaction involving “host plant-virus-vector” for integrated pest management
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