Virus Transmission by Aphids

Abstract

Three orders in the class of Insecta contain important vectors: Homoptera (aphids, hoppers, whiteflies, mealybugs), Thysanoptera (thrips) and Coleoptera (beetles). Members of the Homoptera and Thysanoptera feed on plants by piercing cells and sucking the contents, and those of the Coleoptera by chewing leaves. Viruses are usually divided into three groups according to the way they are transmitted by vector insects: nonpersistent, persistent and semipersistent.