Effects of sub-lethal imidacloprid levels on potato leafroll virus transmission by Myzus persicae

The effects of sub-lethal imidacloprid concentrations on acquisition and inoculation of potato leafroll virus (PLRV) by Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were investigated. In experiments using two aphid clones to acquire PLRV from infected potatoes, virus transmission declined significantly with increasing concentrations of imidacloprid. The same was true in experiments using imidacloprid-treated Physalis floridana Rydb. as acquisition sources. When viruliferous M. persicae were placed on uninfected, imidacloprid-treated P. floridana, there were significant declines in PLRV transmission. Sub-lethal concentrations of imidacloprid clearly inhibited both acquisition and inoculation of PLRV by M. persicae, either through poisoning, temporary intoxication, and/or antifeedant effects.