Transmission risks of beet yellows virus by Myzus persicae and Aphis fabae aphids in diverse experimental conditions

Abstract

Sugar beet yields are negatively affected by the economically significant Beet yellows virus (BYV). For the past 30 years, effective control of BYV relied on neonicotinoid insecticides. However, the European Union's ban on outdoor use of these insecticides since 2018, driven by concerns over biodiversity and human health, led to widespread losses in the sugar beet industry due to BYV outbreaks. The main vectors of this virus are the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) and the black bean aphid (Aphis fabae). Understanding the virusvector relationship is crucial for developing new control methods. To address this, our study investigates viral transmission efficiency in sugar beet plants based on aphid density, species, and morphs (winged/apterous) in laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions.