# Survey of aphid population in a yellow passion fruit crop and its relationship on the spread Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus in a subtropical region of Brazil

## TL;DR

This study examines aphid populations in a yellow passion fruit crop in Brazil and their role in spreading a virus that affects passion fruit plants.

## Contribution

The study identifies key aphid species responsible for spreading CABMV in a subtropical region of Brazil.

## Key findings

- Fourteen aphid species were identified, with the genus Aphis being the most prevalent.
- Aphis species, particularly Aphis fabae/solanella and A. gossypii, were found to be crucial in CABMV spread.
- Low aphid diversity did not hinder CABMV epidemiology in the region.

## Abstract

Passion fruit woodiness may be caused by Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) and is currently the major passion fruit disease in Brazil. To assess the virus-vector-host interactions, a newly introduced golden passion fruit plantation located in eastern region of São Paulo State, Brazil, was monitored.

Dissemination of CABMV was determined analyzing golden passion fruit plants monthly for 18 months by PTA-ELISA. Seasonality and aphid fauna diversity was determined by identification of the captured species using yellow sticky, yellow water-pan and green tile traps. Population composition of the aphid species was determined using the descriptive index of occurrence, dominance and general classification and overlap of species in the R program.

Analyses of species grouping afforded to recognize 14 aphid species. The genus Aphis represented 55.42 % of the species captured. Aphid species formed two distinct clusters, one of which was characterized by the diversity of polyphagous species that presented high potential to spread CABMV.

The low abundance and diversity of aphid species did not interfere negatively in the CABMV epidemiology. The genus Aphis, particularly Aphis fabae/solanella and A. gossypii, was crucial in the spread of CABMV in passion fruit orchards in the eastern State of São Paulo.