The migration of insect vectors of plant and animal viruses

Reynolds, D.R., Chapman, J.W. and Harrington, R. (2006) The migration of insect vectors of plant and animal viruses. In: Plant Virus Epidemiology. Advances in Virus Research (67). Academic Press / Elsevier, Waltham, MA, USA, pp. 453-517. ISBN 978-0-12-039866-9 ISSN 0065-3527

Abstract

Many plant viruses are transmitted by insect vectors, and the pattern of spread of a particular virus will depend critically on the characteristic flight activity of its vector. In most cases flight is over short distances, but in this chapter the focus is on plant virus vectors (particularly some species of Homoptera), which can migrate tens or hundreds of kilometres and cause disease outbreaks far from the source of infection. Parallels are drawn with the atmospheric transport of vectors of animal and human diseases, particularly small blood-feeding Diptera such as blackflies, biting midges and mosquitoes. The chapter first summarizes the conceptual framework that distinguishes migration from other types of movement, and then briefly outlines some of the methodologies used to study long-range migration of insect vectors.
Several case studies of vector migration, particularly ones illustrating recent progress, are then presented. Emphasis is given to the interactions between migratory flight behaviour and atmospheric processes,which together control the ascent, horizontal movement, aerial concentration or dispersion, and the eventual landing of the vectors. Attention is also given to aspects of local post-migratory host-seeking flights that result in the inoculation of the virus into new hosts. Finally, we suggest priorities for further research on insect vectors, which is needed for the
formulation or improvement of disease control strategies.

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