Vector development and vitellogenin determine the transovarial transmission of begomoviruses

TLDR

The majority of plant viruses are transmitted by insect vectors, and transovarial transmission from female vectors to offspring can be crucial for maintaining infection sources, making it epidemiologically significant. The study aims to identify vector and virus components involved in transovarial transmission to inform new strategies against virus spread. We discovered that the interaction between viral coat protein and vector vitellogenin determines transovarial transmissibility of begomoviruses, offering clues for blocking transmission and insights into their evolution and global spread.

Abstract

Significance The majority of plant viruses are transmitted by insect vectors. Transovarial transmission of virus from female vectors to offspring can be very important in maintaining a source of infection and therefore has great epidemiological relevance. Identification of vector and virus components involved in transovarial transmission can lead to new strategies to combat virus spread. Here, we found that the specific interaction between viral coat protein and vector vitellogenin determines transovarial transmissibility of begomoviruses, which have caused great damage to agricultural production and are generally believed not to be transovarially transmitted by insect vectors. Our study gives valuable clues for designing strategies to block begomovirus transmission and provides insights into the evolution and global spread of begomoviruses.