Begomovirus capsid proteins interact with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-specific phosphodiesterase of its whitefly vector and modulate virus retention within its vector

Begomoviruses, transmitted by the sweetpotato whitefly (<i>Bemisia tabaci</i> Gennadius), are the causal agents of many economically important plant virus diseases. Lack of host plant resistance against begomoviruses, high whitefly abundance, and whitefly's ability to develop insecticide resistance rapidly often render the commonly used management practice ineffective. This study demonstrates how begomovirus retention within whitefly and its transmission can be modulated by altering cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) expression of its insect vector. Naturally occurring bio-pesticides that target insect cAMPs are known. Our findings can lead to alternative strategies for the management of begomoviruses by targeting whitefly cAMP using chemicals, botanicals, or RNAi-based insecticides.