Quantification of rose rosette emaravirus (RRV) titers in eriophyoid mites: insights into viral dynamics and vector competency

Understanding the interaction between rose rosette emaravirus (RRV) and its vectors is pivotal in addressing the epidemic outbreak of rose rosette disease. This study employed quantitative real-time RT-PCR to assess RRV genome copy numbers in Phyllocoptes fructiphilus and P. adalius, providing insights into the viral dynamics and vector competency. Our findings suggest active virus replication within P. fructiphilus, a confirmed vector species, unlike P. adalius, highlighting its non-vector status. Furthermore, the study highlights the variability in virus concentration in mites over time, underlining possible developmental stage-specific response and influence of mite lifestyle on RRV retention and replication. This research is the first step in understanding the virus-mite interactome, which is essential for developing effective management strategies against rose rosette disease.