Effects of aphid alarm pheromone derivatives and related compounds on non- and semi-persistent plant virus transmission by Myzus persicae

A derivative, prepared from the aphid alarm pheromone (E)-β-farnesene and the saturated straight 14-carbon chain dialkyl ester of acetylene dicarboxylic acid, was the most active compound tested for inhibiting acquisition by the aphid Myzus persicae of the non-persistently transmitted potato virus Y (PVY). Derivatives lacking, or with shorter, or branched or partially-unsaturated carbon side-chains were less active. The one derivative tested also inhibited inoculation of PVY, and acquisition of beet mosaic virus (also non-persistent) and the semi-persistent beet yellows virus. However, it had no obvious effect on aphid probing behaviour; related compounds lacking the (E)-β-farnesene moiety also inhibited acquisition of PVY.