Natural Spread of Plant Viruses by Birds

Abstract

Abstract Observations made in Mali strongly suggest that Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) is spread by weaverbirds ( Quelea quelea ) below and around baobab trees ( Adansonia digitata ) in which they nest. Rice leaves in bird nests appeared to be infected. In Spain, an infection of Southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV) in string (climbing) beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) was apparently introduced and spread by sparrows ( Passer domesticus ) judging from the damage caused on flowers and bean pods. Damaged leaves and pods on SBMV‐infected plants were also found in a screenhouse visited by sparrows and bulbuls ( Pycnonotus barbatus ) in Morocco. These observations showed that both viruses could be spread by birds when either collecting infected leaves for nesting or feeding on infected plants.