Effect of multiple red raspberry viruses on the behavior and life history of Amphorophora agathonica

Red raspberries in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States are susceptible to several different plant viruses. These include Raspberry Bushy Dwarf Virus (RBDV), a pollen born idaeovirus, Raspberry Latent Virus (RpLV), a circulative-replicative aphid transmitted phytoreovirus, and Raspberry Leaf Mottle Virus (RLMV), a semi-persistent aphid transmitted closterovirus. Both RpLV and RLMV are vectored by the aphid Amphorophora agathonica (Hottes). Laboratory bioassays were conducted to assess how the plant virus combinations affect the longevity and fecundity of A. agathonica. Additionally, behavioral assays were conducted to determine whether aphids have preferences for healthy or virus-infected plants.