Occurrence,distribution and seasonal changes of viruses infecting common bean in northwestern Iran

Many surveys were conducted during 2003–2005 to study the identity, prevalence and fluctuation of bean infecting viruses in northwestern Iran. In total, 649 bean samples with virus- like symptoms were collected and analysed by double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) and tissue-print immunoassay to detect infectious viruses. Serological tests revealed the presence of Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV), Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), Bean leaf roll virus (BLRV), Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) and Southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV), with some co-infection occurred, with prevalence of BCMV, BCMNV and BYMV (17–29% infection rate). The incidence of viruses showed variation in over 3 years of research including more than double increase in CMV from 2004 to 2005 and obvious one-third decrease in AMV from 2003 to 2005. SBMV and BPMV were detected sporadically in the fields and the response of some differential test plants was analysed by mechanical inoculation. Western immunoblotting analysis of SBMV infected bean leaf total proteins using SBMV-specific polyclonal antibody revealed viral CP with molecular mass of 28.5 kDa which confirmed the presence of SBMV as a new threat for bean production.     

Propyl gallate,a free radical scavenger,counteracts the benefits of exogenously applied salicylic acid and aggravates the deleterious effects of the southern bean mosaic virus in Rhizobium-nodulated Phaseolus vulgaris plants

Infection of Rhizobium-nodulated Phaseolus vulgaris by the southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV) markedly decreased the growth and nodulation of plants. Exogenous applications of salicylic acid (SA) at concentrations ≥10 μM further decreased growth and nodulation of virus-infected (V) plants. Only SA concentration of 5 μM in the solution improved the growth, nodulation, chlorophyll concentration and the catabolism of ureide in leaves of V plants. The spray of leaves with 2 mM propyl gallate (+Pg) decreased growth, nodulation as well as the chlorophyll and leaf ureide concentrations in V plants, regardless of the concentration of SA at which plants were grown. Ultrastructural damages in leaf cells caused by SBMV were also enhanced in V+Pg plants. The massive proliferation of virus particles and the presence of virus crystalline arrays within symbiosomes of nodules in V+Pg plants were attributed to proliferation of branched plasmodesmata in leaf vascular-parenchyma cell walls that facilitated virus movement. Virus particles were never observed in leaf and nodule tissues of V plants not sprayed with Pg. Exogenous applications of SA hindered while Pg increased the symbiotic performance of H plants, pointing out the complexity to be addressed in breeding for virus resistance in Rhizobium-nodulated beans.     

The interactions of tropical soda apple mosaic tobamovirus and Gratiana boliviana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), an introduced biological control agent of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum)

Tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum Dunal (Solanaceae) is a South American invasive plant of rangelands, pastures and natural areas in Florida. A chrysomelid beetle from South America, Gratiana boliviana Spaeth, has been released at >300 locations in Florida for biological control of tropical soda apple since 2003. Tropical soda apple is a host of several plant viruses, including the newly described tropical soda apple mosaic virus (TSAMV). We investigated the influence of TSAMV infection of tropical soda apple plants on developmental time, leaf tissue consumption, longevity, fecundity, and feeding preference of G. boliviana, and also tested transmission of the virus by the beetle. Developmental time was approximately 10% slower, and adults consumed only about 50% as much leaf tissue, for beetles fed on infected plants compared to uninfected plants. Longevity did not differ between females reared on infected and uninfected plants, but females fed on uninfected plants produced 71% more eggs than those fed on infected plants. Adult G. boliviana preferentially fed on uninfected plants when given a choice. There was no evidence of TSAMV transmission by G. boliviana. The potential impacts of TSAMV infection on the effectiveness of G. boliviana as a biological control agent are discussed.     

No-choice preference of cerotoma trifurcata (coleoptera: chrysomelidae) to potential host plants of bean pod mottle virus (Comoviridae) in Iowa

To better understand the naturally occurring host range of Bean pod mottle virus (family Comoviridae, genus Comovirus, BPMV) and its principal vector Cerotoma trifurcata (F?rster) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), 18 field-collected perennial plant species were tested for the presence of BPMV. By using no-choice assays, we determined the preference of these plants by bean leaf beetle, by measuring their level of herbivory relative to soybean, Glycine max (L.). New food hosts for adult bean leaf beetles include Lespedeza capitata (Michaux), Lotus corniculatus L., Trifolium alexandrinum L., Trifolium ambiguum Bieberstein, and Trifolium incarnatum L. Desmodium illinoense Gray is discovered as a new naturally occurring host for BPMV.     

Natural Spread of Plant Viruses by Birds

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.     

POSSIBILITIES FOR INTER- AND INTRACELLULAR TRANSLOCATION OF SOME ICOSAHEDRAL PLANT VIRUSES

Southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV) and Tomato ringspot virus (TomRV) were compared with regard to possible ways of inter- and intracellular translocation. The pore complexes in the nuclear membranes of nuclei in leaf palisade and mesophyll cells of several plant species commonly used in plant virus research were studied. The pore structure resembled that earlier described. The diameter of the pores was great enough to allow icosahedral plant viruses between 25 and 30 mµ wide to move through. SBMV occurred in noncrystalline form in nuclei of infected cells. Although this virus forms paracrystalline structures when partially purified, no virus crystals were seen in the cytoplasm of cells containing high concentrations of SBMV. It was established that this virus could move through nuclear pores. TomRV was found in infected leaf tissue in low concentrations. This virus showed a tendency to crystallize even when present in low concentrations. TomRV was observed only in the cytoplasm, not in nuclei. This virus was present in plasmodesmata, indicating the possibility of cell to cell translocation of whole particles through these structures.     

Increased multiple virus resistance in transgenic soybean overexpressing the double-strand RNA-specific ribonuclease gene PAC1

Viruses constitute a major constraint to soybean production worldwide and are responsible for significant yield losses every year. Although varying degrees of resistance to specific viral strains has been identified in some soybean genetic sources, the high rate of mutation in viral genomes and mixed infections of different viruses or strains under field conditions usually hinder the effective control of viral diseases. In the present study, we generated transgenic soybean lines constitutively expressing the double-strand RNA specific ribonuclease gene PAC1 from Schizosaccharomyces pombe to evaluate their resistance responses to multiple soybean-infecting virus strains and isolates. Resistance evaluation over three consecutive years showed that the transgenic lines displayed significantly lower levels of disease severity in field conditions when challenged with soybean mosaic virus (SMV) SC3, a prevalent SMV strain in soybean-growing regions of China, compared to the non-transformed (NT) plants. After inoculation with four additional SMV strains (SC7, SC15, SC18, and SMV-R), and three isolates of bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), and bean pod mottle virus (BPMV), the transgenic plants exhibited less severe symptoms and enhanced resistance to virus infections relative to NT plants. Consistent with these results, the accumulation of each virus isolate was significantly inhibited in transgenic plants as confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR and double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Collectively, our results showed that overexpression of PAC1 can increase multiple virus resistance in transgenic soybean, and thus provide an efficient control strategy against RNA viruses such as SMV, BCMV, WMV, and BPMV.

     

Bean leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) management for reduction of bean pod mottle virus

Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) is a management concern for soybean, Glycine max (L.), producers in the North Central states because it can cause yield loss and reduce seed quality by induction of seed coat mottling. The main vector of BPMV is the bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster). An experiment was conducted in 2000 and 2001 at two locations in northwestern and central Iowa to test three insecticide treatments for suppression of bean leaf beetles, and subsequently, BPMV. Treatments of insecticide applications with lambda-cyhalothrin were 1) a single early-season application (23 g [AI] /ha) (2.5 oz/acre) at the VE-VC soybean developmental stage; 2) two early-season applications, the first the same as treatment 1 and a second at the same rate 9-13 d later; 3) a single early-season application the same as treatment 1, followed by a mid-season application (28 g [AI] /ha (3.2 oz/acre) at approximately R2 (flowering, near 15 July); and 4) an unsprayed control. Application of lambda-cyhalothrin after soybean emergence and again as first-generation bean leaf beetles emerged in northwestern Iowa in 2000 (treatment 3) significantly reduced beetle densities through mid-season, BPMV field incidence by 31.5%, and seed coat mottling by 31.2%, compared with the unsprayed control. Similar effects were measured at the same location when insecticide was applied twice at early season (treatment 2). Yield was 453.7 kg/ha (6.74 bu/acre) greater in treatment 2 and 525.20 kg/ha (7.80 bu/acre) greater in treatment 3 than in the unsprayed control at the northwestern site in 2000. At both locations in 2001 fewer treatment effects were observed, which was likely related to lower beetle populations in that year. Early-season insecticide sprays targeted at overwintered beetles on VC-VE reduced the initial population of vector insects and may have contributed to a lower first-generation population because of reduced overwintered beetle oviposition. In 1 year at one location there was a benefit to an additional mid-season insecticide spray, although effectiveness of spraying at this time could vary based on the magnitude of the vector population.     

Effect of leaf surface extraction on palatability of romaine lettuce to Diabrotica balteata

Abstract The leaf surface of a plant, especially its chemical components, constitutes the first line of resistance to herbivores and other pests. Our previous research indicated that ‘Valmaine’ (Val) romaine lettuce, Lactuca sativa L., was highly resistant to feeding by adult banded cucumber beetle, Diabrotica balteata LeConte, while ‘Tall Guzmaine’ (TG) was highly susceptible. We investigated the leaf surface chemistry of these two cultivars for its possible role in their resistance to D. balteata. Three solvents with different polarity (hexane, methylene chloride, and methanol) were tested to remove leaf surface chemicals, but only methylene chloride and methanol extracts were used in feeding bioassays. Adult D. balteata consumed much more of the leaf tissue of Val and TG when their surface chemicals were removed with methylene chloride, but not methanol, compared to nonextracted leaf tissue, leading us to hypothesize that methylene‐chloride extractable leaf surface chemicals may have a role in the expression of lettuce resistance. However, leaf surface chemicals extracted from Val with methylene chloride were not a deterrent to adult D. balteata when applied to palatable lima bean leaf surfaces at various concentrations in dual‐choice tests. Furthermore, the application of surface extracts from TG did not stimulate beetle feeding in similar choice tests. In a no‐choice feeding test, there was no significant difference in leaf area consumption on lima bean leaves sprayed with extracts of Val or TG. These results suggest that leaf surface chemicals in romaine lettuce do not explain the resistance of Val to adult D. balteata, and that factors inside the leaf may play a role in resistance. We discuss the possibility that the solvent may have increased the palatability of lettuce leaves to D. balteata by causing enzymatic browning and cellular damage, which is likely to have degraded internal feeding deterrents and impaired the plant's ability to emit latex.     

Comparative transmission of bean leaf roll and pea enation mosaic viruses by aphids

Acyrthosiphon pisum was a more efficient vector than Myzus persicae of bean leaf roll virus (BLRV), but the two species transmitted pea enation mosaic virus (PEMV) equally well and much more often than Megoura viciae. M. viciae did not transmit BLRV, and Aphis fabae did not transmit BLRV or PEMV. BLRV and PEMV were transmitted more often by nymphs of A. pisum than by adult apterae or alatae that fed on infected plants only as adults, but both viruses were readily transmitted by adults that had developed on infected plants. The shortest time in which nymphs acquired BLRV was 2 h, and 50 % transmitted after an acquisition period of 4 days. Some nymphs acquired PEMV in 30 min and 50% in 8 h. The shortest time for inoculation of BLRV by adults was 15 min, but some transmitted PEMV in probes lasting less than 1 min. The median latent periods of BLRV and PEMV in aphids fed for 12 h on infected plants were, respectively, 105 and 44 h. Clones of A. pisum differed in their ability to transmit BLRV and PEMV, and efficiency in transmitting the two viruses seemed to be unrelated. Some aphids that fed successively on plants infected with each virus transmitted both viruses, and infectivity with one virus did not seem to affect transmission of the other.     

Effects of feeding by larvae of Phaedon cochleariae (F.) and Plutella maculipennis (Curt.) on the yield of radish and turnip plants

Different numbers of larvae of the beetle Phaedon cochleariae (F.) and the moth Plutella maculipennis (Curt.) were fed on the leaves of turnip plants (variety Early Milan White) and radish (variety French Breakfast) growing in a constant-environment room. Turnips grew more slowly than radish, were less affected by insect feeding and were affected more by Phaedon than by Plutella. Phaedon larvae severed leaf veins and rasped the leaf surface, thus killing more leaf tissue by desiccation than they ate. They remained on and greatly damaged the older leaves and their feeding reduced yield. Plutella larvae fed on leaves of all ages, which they ate cleanly, leaving the veins. They pupated sooner than Phaedon and did less damage to older leaves, which grew larger and lived longer than corresponding leaves on intact plants. This compensatory growth by turnip prevented loss of yield and may have increased it, as indicated by dry weight of the roots. Both species of insect decreased the yield of radish similarly. Loss of yield of turnip caused by Phaedon or of radish caused by both species of insects was negatively and linearly proportional to the number of larvae that fed on the leaves.     

Production of transgenic soybean lines expressing the bean pod mottle virus coat protein precursor gene

Soybean (Glycine max. Merrill. cv. Fayette) cotyledonary nodes were transformed with bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) coat protein precursor (CP-P) gene via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The transformation rate was low, and only five primary transformants derived from five different cotyledons were obtained from 400 original cotyledons. Southern blot hybridization verified the integration of the BPMV CP-P gene. Inheritance and expression of this gene in R₁ plants were also demonstrated. About 30% of R₂ plants derived from one transgenic line showed complete resistance to BPMV infection, as assessed by symptomatology and ELISA, suggesting that homozygous, but not hemizygous, plants exhibit the resistant phenotype.Abbreviations BAP 6-benzyladenine phosphate - BPMV bean pod mottle virus - CP-P coat protein-precursor - CTAB hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide - DAS-ELISA double antibody sandwich-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - IBA indole-butyric acid - kbp kilobase pairs - MES 2-(N-Morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid - NOS nopaline synthase - NPTII neomycin phosphotransferase II - NTP nucleoside triphosphate - PBS phosphate-buffered saline - PCR polymerase chain reaction - PVP polyvinyl pyrrolidone - VPg viral genome-linked protein     

Crocidolomia pavonana larval foraging: behavior and feeding site preferences on cabbage, Brassica oleracea

Experiments were conducted to determine feeding site preferences of Crocidolomia pavonana (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae within cabbage plants, Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata cv. Warrior (Brassicaceae), and to determine whether induced plant responses to herbivory affect the behavior of larvae. In the first experiment, intra-plant damage and larval distribution were recorded to account for the spreading pattern of damage and larval feeding behavior on a plant; larvae initially fed on the base of leaves and moved progressively to the bud, leaf tips were avoided. In the second experiment, larval performance (the duration of the first instar, survival to the second instar, and weight of second instars) was assessed when larvae fed on the bud, the base, and the tip of the youngest fully expanded leaf on a plant. Crocidolomia pavonana larvae performed best when they fed on bud leaf tissue and most poorly when they fed on leaf tissue at the base of leaves. In the third experiment, expression of induced resistance was tested on each of the three plant parts using a first-instar bioassay. Negative impacts on larval growth and development were not detected when larvae fed on the bud or base tissue when plants were damaged prior to the assay. However, negative effects were detected in larvae feeding on tip leaf tissue when the base of the leaf was damaged prior to the assay or if the bud tissue was damaged simultaneously with the assay. The findings indicate that resource heterogeneity for C. pavonana within-cabbage plants is determined by both the initial quality of food at a location and by subsequent induced changes as a result of larval feeding; both contribute to the feeding pattern observed in these gregarious larvae.     

Incidence and diversity of viruses in cowpeas and weeds in the unmanaged farming systems of savanna zones in Nigeria

Fields surveys were conducted to assess the incidence of commonly known legume viruses on cowpeas and weed hosts within and around the cowpeas farms in nine locations across the three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. Of 315 cowpea leaf samples collected and tested for eight viruses, 69.5% were found to be infected. Bean common mosaic virus-blackeye mosaic (BCMV-BlCM), genus Potyvirus had the highest incidence (70%) and was also the most prevalent (78%). Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV, genus Potyvirus) had 64% as incidence, incidence of Southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV, genus Sobemovirus) was 21%. Bean pod mosaic virus (BPMV, genus Comovirus) was detected in 1% of the samples tested. Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV, genus Comovirus) was undetected. Other viruses tested included Cowpea mottle virus (CPMoV, genus Carmovirus), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, genus Cucumovirus), and Cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV, genus Carlavirus). Multiple virus infections were detected in 68.0% of the infected cowpea leaf samples. The combination of BCMV-BlCM and CABMV was the most common, occurring in 76.4% of all samples. Virus incidence in weeds around the cowpea plots was 2.5% (9 out of 356) whereas 1.5% (5 out of 332) of the weeds collected within the cowpea plots were infected. Some of the weeds infected were Chromoleana odorata, Centrosema sp., Thithonia diversifolia and Talinum triangulare.     

A field test of inducible resistance to specialist and generalist herbivores using the water lily Nuphar luteum

We tested whether grazing by the specialist beetle Galerucella nymphaeae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) induced resistance to herbivory in the water lily Nuphar luteum macrophyllum (Nymphaeaceae) using both the specialist beetle and the generalist crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda: Cambaridae). For 2 months, we allowed natural densities of beetles to develop on control plants of Nuphar, while removing beetles every 2–3 days from adjacent plants that were paired by location within our field site. By the end of the 2-month manipulation, beetle grazing had damaged twice as much leaf surface on control plants as on removal plants (30.6% vs. 14.2%, respectively). We then offered tissues from control and removal plants to adult and larval beetles and to crayfish in laboratory assays. Increased levels of previous attack by the specialist beetle either did not affect or increased water lily attractiveness to beetles, but significantly decreased attractiveness to the generalist crayfish. Beetle larvae did not feed preferentially on control vs. removal Nuphar in assays using either immature, undamaged leaves that had not yet reached the pond surface or intermediate aged leaves that had reached the surface and experienced some beetle grazing. Adult beetles consumed significantly more immature leaf tissue from the heavily grazed controls than from the less grazed removal plants but did not discriminate between control and removal leaves of intermediate age in either feeding or oviposition preference. In contrast, generalist crayfish consumed significantly more plant tissue from the less grazed treatment than from the more heavily grazed controls. Crude chemical extracts from Nuphar strongly deterred crayfish feeding, but neither phenolic content, protein content, nor differential effects of crude extracts from control vs. removal plants explained crayfish feeding on control versus removal leaves. Our assays suggest that induced resistance to crayfish may be chemically mediated, but the particular mechanisms producing this response remain unclear. Responses may be due to defensive metabolites that degrade rapidly following extraction. Received: 23 July 1997 / Accepted: 8 February 1998     

Feeding behavior and performance of Nasonovia ribisnigri on grafts,detached leaves,and leaf disks of resistant and susceptible lettuce

Aphids are dependent on the phloem sap of plants as their only source of nutrients. Host‐plant resistance in lettuce, Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae), mediated by the Nr gene is used to control the lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosely) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The resistance is located in the phloem; however, the exact mechanism of resistance is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether the resistance factor (or factors) is synthesized in the root or in the shoot. The feeding behavior and performance of avirulent N. ribisnigri were studied on grafts of resistant and susceptible lettuce. In addition, the persistence of resistance in excised lettuce tissue was measured, by studying the feeding behavior and performance of N. ribisnigri on detached leaves and leaf disks of resistant lettuce. It appears that the resistance factor encoded by the Nr gene is produced in the shoots: aphid feeding was reduced on resistant shoots grafted on susceptible roots, whereas aphids were able to feed on grafts of susceptible shoots on resistant roots. Partial loss of resistance was observed after detachment of leaves and excision of leaf disks from resistant plants. Aphids fed longer on excised resistant plant tissue compared with intact resistant plants; however, compared with excised plant tissue of the susceptible cultivar, the time spent on feeding was shorter, indicating resistance was not completely lost. Our findings caution against the use of excised leaf material for aphid resistance bioassays.     

Effects of leaf and sap feeding insects on photosynthetic rates of goldenrod

Summary Herbivory can alter the balance between sources and sinks within a plant, and changes in the source-sink ratio often lead to changes in plant photosynthetic rates. We investigated how feeding by three insect herbivores affected photosynthetic rates and growth of goldenrod (Solidago altissima). One, a phloem-sap feeding aphid (Uroleucon caligatum), creates an additional sink, and the other two, a leaf-chewing beetle (Trirhabda sp.) and a xylem-sap feeding spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius) both reduce source supply by decreasing leaf area. Plants were grown outside in large pots and insects were placed on them at predetermined densities, with undamaged plants included as controls. All insects were removed after a 12-day feeding period. We measured photosynthetic rates both of damaged leaves and of undamaged leaves that were produced after insect removal. Photosynthetic rates per unit area of damaged leaves were reduced by spittlebug feeding, but not by beetle or aphid feeding. Conductance of spittlebugdamaged leaves did not differ from controls, but internal carbon dioxide concentrations were increased. These results indicate that spittlebug feeding does not cause stomatal closure, but impairs fixation within the leaf. Effects of spittlebug feeding on photosynthetic rates persisted after the insects were removed from the plants. Photosynthetic rates per unit area of leaves produced after insect removal on spittlegug-damaged plants were lower than control levels, even though the measurements were taken 12 days after insect removal. The measurement leaf on spittlebugdamaged plants was reduced in area by 27% relative to the controls, but specific leaf area (leaf area/leaf weight) was increased by 18%. Because of the shift in specific leaf area, photosynthetic rates were also examined per unit leaf weight, and when this was done there were no significant differences between control and spittlebug-damaged plants. Beetle and aphid feeding had no effects on the photosynthetic rate of the leaves produced after insect removal. Plant relative growth rates (in terms of height) were reduced by spittlebugs during the period that the insects were feeding on the plants. Relative growth rates of spittlebug-damaged plants were increased above control levels after insect removal, but these plants were still shorter than controls 17 days after insect removal. Beetles and aphids did not affect plant relative growth rates or plant height. Feeding by both spittlebugs and beetles reduced leaf area, and the effect of the spittlebug was more severe than that of the beetle. These results show that effects of herbivory on photosynthetic rates cannot be predicted simply by considering changes in the source-sink ratio, and that spittlebug feeding is more damaging to the host plant than beetle or aphid feeding.     

Effect of sowing date and straw mulch on virus incidence and aphid infestation in organically grown faba beans (Vicia faba)

The effect of sowing date on aphid infestation and the incidence of aphid-transmitted viruses were investigated in organically managed, small-scale field experiments with two faba bean cultivars over 3 years (2002–04). As an additional factor, straw mulch was applied in 2 of the 3 years shortly before the start of vector activity in May. Virus incidence was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoelectron microscopy. Aphid flight activity was monitored using standard yellow water traps. Bean colonising aphids were assessed throughout the vegetation period by counting the number of plants infested with Acyrthosiphon pisum , Megoura viciae and Aphis fabae . Pea enation mosaic virus and bean yellow mosaic virus were the most abundant aphid-transmitted viruses, being detected in 22–54% and 9–69%, respectively, of the total number of virus-infected plants analysed per year. Further aphid-transmitted viruses found in faba bean were bean leaf roll virus, beet western yellows virus, clover yellow vein virus (in 2002) and soybean dwarf virus (in 2004). A. pisum was the predominant aphid species colonising faba bean plants. Early sowing compared with late sowing led to a significant reduction of the total virus incidence in faba bean in all 3 years. However, significantly decreased levels of A. pisum colonisation as a result of early sowing were observed only in 1 year and one cultivar. Irrespective of sowing date, straw mulching had no significant effects on virus incidence and aphid colonisation. Compared with late sowing, early sowing significantly increased bean yield in all 3 years and kernel weight in 2 years, whereas straw mulching had no effect on yield.     

Impact of two specialist insect herbivores on reproduction of horse nettle,Solanum carolinense

The frequency of coevolution as a process of strong mutual interaction between a single plant and herbivore species has been questioned in light of more commonly observed, complex relationships between a plant and a suite of herbivore species. Despite recognition of the possibility of diffuse coevolution, relatively few studies have examined ecological responses of plants to herbivores in complex associations. We studied the impact of two specialist herbivores, the horse nettle beetle, Leptinotarsa juncta, and the eggplant flea beetle, Epitrix fuscula, on reproduction of their host, Solanum carolinense. Our study involved field and controlled-environment experimental tests of the impact on sexual and potential asexual reproduction of attack by individuals of the two herbivore species, individually and in combination. Field tests demonstrated that under normal levels of phytophagous insect attack, horse nettle plants experienced a reduction in fruit production of more than 75% compared with plants from which insects were excluded. In controlled-environment experiments using enclosure-exclosure cages, the horse nettle's two principal herbivores, the flea beetle and the horse nettle beetle, caused decreases in sexual reproduction similar to those observed in the field, and a reduction in potential asexual reproduction, represented by root biomass. Attack by each herbivore reduced the numbers of fruits produced, and root growth, when feeding in isolation. When both species were feeding together, fruit production, but not root growth, was lower than when either beetle species fed alone. Ecological interactions between horse nettle and its two primary herbivores necessary for diffuse coevolution to occur were evident from an overall analysis of the statistical interactions between the two herbivores for combined assessment of fruit and vegetative traits. For either of these traits alone, the interactions necessary to promote diffuse coevolution apparently were lacking.     

Tests for transmission of cherry leaf roll virus using Longidorus, Paralongidorus and Xiphinema nematodes

The ability of 10 nematode species to transmit three strains of cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV) was tested by three methods: (1) virus-infected source plants and virus-free bait plants were grown concurrently in nematode-infested soil, (2) as for (1) but virus source plants were removed before bait plants were planted, and (3) nematodes were extracted from soil after access to virus source plants, and were added to pots containing bait plants. The occurrence of galls on roots showed that nematodes fed both on source and on bait plants in all experiments and, in some experiments, CLRV was detected by direct assays (slash tests) of Longidorus elongatus, L. leptocephalus and Paralongidorus maximus. Although the nematodes readily transmitted control viruses, for which they are known to be vectors, CLRV was detected by root assays in only a few bait plants exposed to L. elongatus, L. macrosoma, Xiphinema diversicaudatum or L. leptocephalus + X. vuittenezi in tests by method 1. The recovery of CLRV in these tests is interpreted as being due to contamination. These results add to the increasing circumstantial evidence against the involvement of nematodes in the transmission of CLRV. Other possible mechanisms of spread are discussed.