Effect of mineral oils on host plant selection and probing behavior of Rhopalosiphum padi

Abstract

Aphids that colonize and reproduce on potato are some of the most efficient vectors of Potato virus Y (PVY) (Potyviridae: Potyvirus), and hence these aphids have been the focus of the majority of studies to date. However, other non-colonizing aphids can also function as vectors. Mineral oil is the only product available to growers that effectively prevents the spread of PVY in potato seed production. Most previous studies focused on the effect of mineral oil on the behavior of aphids on their preferential host plant, and consequently there is a lack of information for non-colonizing aphids on potato plants. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of spraying potatoes with one of two mineral oils, Superior 70 or Vazyl-Y, on host selection and probing behavior of the non-colonizing aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique, combined with ethological observations, determined that there was no difference in R. padi behavior on potato plants treated with Superior 70. However, there were few significant changes in R. padi behavior on plants sprayed with Vazyl-Y, including a delay in the initiation of stylet penetration and an increase in the duration of xylem sap ingestion. These new data support previous results and confirm that the mode of action of mineral oil in the reduction of the spread of PVY is not solely due to the modification of the behavior of aphids.

Aphid Transmission of Potyvirus: The Largest Plant-Infecting RNA Virus Genus

“…Furthermore, the use of mineral oil individually [ 131 , 132 ] and in combination with other treatments such as reflective mulches [ 133 ] and crop borders [ 134 ] has been proved to be effective in the management of multiple potyviruses such as PVY and PRSV. Earlier studies report that mineral oil modifies the feeding behavior of aphids [ 135 ] and interferes with the binding of potyvirus virions to aphid stylets [ 132 ], making it one of the effective strategies for potyvirus management.…”

Did Myzus persicae (Sulzer) from potato reared on a novel host for 15 years retain its host-related properties?

“…The treatment was deemed to be different from the control if the confidence intervals for that sampling time did not overlap. Differences between treatment and the control were indicated at the top of the graph for each behaviour (Boquel et al, 2015(Boquel et al, , 2016.…”

“…Analysis of variances using the general linear model (GLM) (Nelder and Wedderburn, 1972) were performed using SYSTAT v.13 (Systat Software). Data of the probing behaviour experiment (EPG) was log-(duration data) or √-transformed (frequency data) when necessary for normality and homogeneity of residuals (Backus et al ., 2007; Boquel et al ., 2016). Biological parameters measured during the survival experiment and behavioural response variables were analysed using the GLM and treatment as the main factor.…”

“…Small beet leaves and terminal potato leaflets of the same age and size as those used for the behaviour observations were set up in plastic vials as described for the behaviour observations. The direct-current EPG technique (Giga 4 and Giga 8; EPG Systems, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Tjallingii, 1978Tjallingii, , 1985Tjallingii, , 1988Pelletier et al, 2008;Boquel et al, 2012Boquel et al, , 2016 was used to gather information on probing and feeding behaviour of MPB on small beet leaves and potato leaflets and MPP on potato leaflets. An alate aphid was immobilized on top of a small plastic tip set up under a dissecting microscope with the use of suction and was glued to a gold wire using water-based silver glue.…”

Viral Threats to Fruit and Vegetable Crops in the Caribbean

“…Management of potyviruses in Trinidad requires the use of virus-free planting material, virus-resistant cultivars, the implementation of physical barriers to block movement of the vector, and the rapid disposal of inoculum sources, e.g., weed species, away from planting sites [ 176 , 177 ]. The use of barrier crops, oil spraying, straw and reflective mulching, and intercropping have all been reported as effective in controlling the vector and, subsequently, in controlling virus populations for a number of viruses in different cropping systems [ 178 , 179 , 180 , 181 ].…”