Recently, it has been demonstrated that Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) responds actively to the presence of its vector, changing transmission body morphs and increasing the potential for transmission 11. These findings suggest that viruses may facilitate their own transmission by modulating host characteristics. In parallel, several studies have shown that viruses can suppress plant defences and thus vectors feeding on virus-infected plants often possess greater fitness than those residing on healthy plants (for review, see refs 5, 7, 8, 9, 10). It has been documented that the yellow leaf colour and specific volatiles emitted by diseased plants modulate attractiveness for vectors (for review, see refs 5, 6).

Vectors are found among many different taxa, but for plant-infecting viruses they most often are hemipteran arthropods, and in particular aphids 2, 3, 4.Д«ecause of their agricultural importance, plant viruses and their transmission have been the subject of research for more than a century. The specific organism that transmits a virus is known as a vector. Due to their limited mobility, many viruses, including в€ј80% of all plant-infecting viruses, rely on other organisms for transmission 1. After successful infection, transmission of a virus to the next host is a critical step for survival.

Because viruses are obligate parasites, they must encounter and then infect susceptible hosts to survive. Viruses dominate our planet, parasitizing all forms of life including other viruses.

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