Effects of whitefly-transmitted tomato yellow leaf curl virus on the preference and fitness of non-vector herbivores on tomato

Persistent viruses can modulate the preference and fitness of their arthropod vectors. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), which is persistently transmitted by whiteflies, influences the preference and fitness of its vector, sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius).  Persistent viruses typically alter their host plant morphological traits (yellowing) and physiological traits (soluble sugars and free amino acids).  Such alterations, in turn, increase the host plant apparency to vectors and positively alter the fitness of vectors. Given that TYLCV is restricted to plant phloem, where it alters the nutritional profile, it is possible that other phloem-feeding insects, such as aphids, are also impacted by the presence of the virus. In this study, we investigated the spillover effects of TYLCV infection in tomato, if any, on the preference and fitness of non-vectors (aphids). Experiments are currently in progress.  Findings on the effects of TYLCV infection in tomato on aphid preference and fitness will be discussed.