Review Article: Plant Viruses Transmitted by Insects

Abstract

This review article examines the important role of insects in the transmission of plant viruses, focusing on various insect vectors such as aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and thrips. It highlights the historical context of plant pathogen discovery and the complex relationships between viruses, host plants and insect pathogens. The article classifies the modes of infection as irregular, semi-episodic, cyclic, and disseminated, and describes in detail how these modes affect the spread of the virus. For example, aphids, especially green peach aphids, are known to spread more than 100 viruses through specialized mouth parts and saliva, making them easy to feed and infect plants. Whiteflies, particularly the cotton whitefly, are known for their ability to consistently spread diseases. Mealybugs and thrips are also mentioned as having specific ways of transmitting diseases. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the complexity of these interactions and their implications for edible plant diseases. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive description of the mechanisms by which insects transmit pathogenic diseases in plants emphasizing their importance in agriculture.