Insects Pathogens on Plants

Abstract

Insects can play a dual role in plant pathology: as direct pests and as vectors
for plant pathogens. They facilitate the spread of a wide range of pathogens,
including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes, making them a critical factor in
the epidemiology of plant diseases. Managing insect populations and understanding
their interactions with pathogens is vital for reducing the impact of these diseases
on crops.

Introduction

Insects are not only pests that harm plants by feeding on their tissues, but
they can also act as vectors for plant pathogens, contributing to the spread of
diseases (Wielkopolan et al., 2021). Insects can facilitate the transmission of
viruses, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes, which can lead to severe plant damage,
reduced crop yields, and, in some cases, total crop failure (Deka et al., 2021). In
some cases, insects directly damage plants through their feeding, which weakens
the plant, making it more susceptible to infection by secondary pathogens (Akbar et
al., 2023).

The role of insects in the spread of plant diseases is particularly important in

agriculture, where insect pests can serve as important vectors for devastating plant
pathogens (Skendžić et al., 2021). The interaction between insects and plant
pathogens is an example of multitrophic relationships, where organisms from
different trophic levels (plants, insects, and pathogens) interact with each other
(Mogren and Shikano, 2021). Understanding these interactions is crucial for
 managing plant diseases effectively, as controlling the insect vectors can
significantly reduce disease spread and impact.

Types of Insect Pathogens in Plants

1. Insect Vectors of Plant Viruses:

Insects such as aphids, whiteflies, and leafhoppers are common vectors for plant
viruses. These insects feed on plant sap, and in the process, they can pick up and
transmit viral particles from infected plants to healthy ones.
 Aphids: Aphids are one of the most significant insect vectors of plant viruses. They
can transmit viruses like Potato Virus Y (PVY) (Jayasinghe et al., 2022), Cucumber
Mosaic Virus (CMV) (Khaled‐Gasmi et al., 2023) , and Tobacco Mosaic Virus
(TMV) (Mahatma and Shukla, 2025). These viruses can cause stunting, yellowing,
and distortion of leaves, and in some cases, can lead to the death of the plant
(Angira et al., 2025).
 Whiteflies: Whiteflies are vectors for Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV)
and Squash Leaf Curl Virus (SLCV). These viruses can cause severe damage to
crops, especially tomatoes and cucumbers, by stunting growth, causing leaf curl,
and reducing fruit production (Abd El-Wahab et al., 2023).
 Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are vectors for Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of
Pierce’s Disease in grapes, alfalfa dwarf, and several other plant diseases. This
bacterium infects the vascular system, leading to wilting, yellowing, and ultimately
the death of the plant (Cornara et al., 2024).

2. Insect Vectors of Plant Bacteria

Certain insects, such as leafhoppers, planthoppers, and sharpshooters, can also
transmit bacterial pathogens. These insects feed on plant sap and can spread
bacteria from one plant to another (Mushtaq et al., 2022).
 Xylella fastidiosa: This bacterium, transmitted by leafhoppers and sharpshooters, is
responsible for causing a range of plant diseases, such as Pierce’s Disease in grapes
and Olive Quick Decline Syndrome. The bacteria block the plant's vascular system,
causing wilting, leaf scorch, and plant death (Cornara et al., 2024).
 Ralstonia solanacearum: Known for causing bacterial wilt in solanaceous crops
like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, Ralstonia solanacearum is spread by insect
vectors like root-feeding nematodes and cucurbit beetles (Ahmed et al., 2022).

3. Insect-Mediated Fungal Pathogens:

Certain insect species can help spread fungal pathogens, either by carrying fungal
spores or by creating entry points in plants, making them more susceptible to fungal
infection.
 Fusarium spp.: Fusarium is a genus of fungi responsible for various plant diseases,
including Fusarium wilt in tomatoes and other crops. Insects like root weevils and
beetles can spread the fungus as they feed on plant tissues, opening entry points for
fungal infection (Chitwood-Brown et al., 2021)
 Verticillium spp.: This fungus causes wilt diseases in crops such as cotton and
strawberries. Root-feeding insects can damage plants, which increases the
likelihood of Verticillium infections (Zhu et al., 2023).

4. Insects as Vectors of Nematode Pathogens:

Nematodes, which are microscopic roundworms, are another type of pathogen that
can be transmitted by insect vectors. Root-feeding insects, such as root weevils and
root aphids, can spread plant-parasitic nematodes that damage plant roots.

 Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.): These nematodes cause galls and

deformities in the roots of plants, hindering their ability to take up water and
 nutrients (Ali et al., 2023). Insects such as root weevils can spread these nematodes
from one plant to another.
5. Insects as Direct Pathogens:
While many insects act as vectors for pathogens, some insects are direct
pathogens in their own right, weakening plants and predisposing them to secondary
infections (Leger, 2021). These insects feed on plant tissues, causing direct damage
to the plant and making it more susceptible to infection by bacteria, fungi, or
viruses (Li and Li, 2021).
 Root Weevils: These insects feed on plant roots and can weaken the plant, allowing
other pathogens to enter. Some species of root weevils, such as the black vine
weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus), can also transmit fungal pathogens (Piedra-García
and Struck, 2021).
 Stem Borers: Stem borers, such as those found in maize, cause significant damage
by tunneling into plant stems, leaving entry points for fungal or bacterial infections.
This makes the plant vulnerable to secondary infections that can further damage or
kill the plant (Rodríguez et al., 2021).
 Leaf Damage: Insects such as aphids, caterpillars, and beetles feed on leaves,
causing them to lose their ability to photosynthesize effectively. This can lead to
yellowing (chlorosis), leaf distortion, and defoliation. The loss of leaves reduces the
plant’s overall energy production, stunting growth and reducing yield (Kozulina et
al., 2021).
 Fruit and Flower Damage: Certain insects, such as fruit flies or flower thrips,
damage flowers and fruits, leading to deformities, premature dropping of fruits, or
poor fruit quality (Mound et al., 2022).
Insect management
Insect management strategies such as using insect-resistant plant varieties,
biological control agents, or chemical treatments are commonly used in agriculture
to mitigate the damage caused by these insect vectors and reduce the spread of plant
diseases (Venkatesan et al., 2022). Understanding the intricate relationships
between insects and plant pathogens continues to be an important area of research
in plant pathology, especially as global food production faces increasing challenges
from pests and diseases (Jeger et al., 2021).

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