Effects of temperature on the adaptation of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) to tobacco plants infected with potato virus Y

Abstract

Temperature is a key factor that influences interactions among vector insects, viruses, and host plants. A deep understanding of how temperature affects the adaptability of aphids to virus-infected plants can provide valuable insights for improving control strategies against plant viral diseases. Herein, we evaluated the adaptability of the green peach aphid Myzus persicae to tobacco plants infected by Potato virus Y (PVY) across four temperatures using dual-choice bioassays, electropenetrography, and an age-stage, two-sex life table. The results revealed substantial differences in the adaptation of M. persicae to PVY-infected tobacco at different temperatures. The number of M. persicae selecting PVY-infected tobacco plants rapidly peaked as temperature increased, though an inverse trend occurred when temperatures surpassed 25 °C. At 30 °C, M. persicae showed reduced feeding ability, a considerably short duration of potential drop (pd) waves, and an increased pd frequency on PVY-infected plants. In addition, at 30 °C, M. persicae exhibited the shortest developmental duration, reduced total lifespan, and low fecundity, leading to negative population growth. This study aims to provide initial insights into how temperature stress affects M. persicae on PVY-infected plants, delivering useful information for disrupting vector-mediated transmission routes and controlling the spread of insect-borne viral diseases through targeted environmental interventions.