A new study published today in Science has uncovered the previously unknown role of a salivary protein in aphids that helps the insects become infected with viruses. The findings could have implications for developing new strategies to control aphid populations, which are a major agricultural pest.

Aphids are a major agricultural pest, causing billions of dollars in crop damage each year. Researchers have now identified a salivary protein in aphids that helps the insects become infected with viruses, a discovery that could lead to new strategies to control aphid populations. The study, published in Science, found that the salivary protein, known as Aphidicolin, binds to viral particles and helps them enter the aphid body, allowing the virus to replicate. The research team also observed that the virus-infected aphids had higher mortality rates than those not infected. These findings could provide a new avenue for controlling aphids and reducing crop damage.

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source: Phys.org