Vector-virus-crop interactions: Exploring and unravelling system complexities
This is one of the funded projects for our 2025 Undergraduate vacation bursary, click here to return to the list of 15 projects.
| This project is going to be… | Experimental (lab/field based) |
| Institute | The University of Liverpool |
| Project supervisor | Dr. Daniel Leybourne |
| Title of Project | Vector-virus-crop interactions: Exploring and unravelling system complexities |
| Date of Project Commencement | 01 July 2025 |
| Duration (weeks) | 8 |
| Brief Description of Project | Aphids are small sap-feeding insects that are especially effective vectors of plant disease. Aphids transmit Yellow Dwarf Virus, a major vector-borne disease of cereals with infected crops suffering >20% yield loss. In reality, the interactions between aphids, viruses, and host crops do not occur in isolation. There are myriad influencing factors: symbionts alter aphid feeding patterns and mediate virus transmission while also rendering the aphid less susceptible to natural enemies; and virus or symbiont presence alters aphid behaviour and reproductive success. However, many of these have only been looked at in isolation, and considering the complexities of the system can provide greater insight into the impact these relationships have on vector and disease ecology.In week one, the student will be introduced to the system and the levels of complexity they can explore in the project. The student will be supported in developing their own hypotheses on whichever aspects of the system appeal to them. This could include examining the effect symbiont presence has on virus transmission, looking at the influence virus presence has on vector behaviour and reproduction, or looking at antagonistic interactions between symbionts, vectors, and natural enemies and the consequences this has for virus transmission. Ultimately, the direction taken will be driven by the individual student and their biological interest. Core research skills will be developed during the project. The exact skills will depend on the direction the student takes, but could include:• Virus acquisition, retention, and transmission. Providing experience in molecular biology techniques (RT-PCR, ELISA) and an understanding of vector and virus biology. • Vector behaviour and fitness, including host choice, reproductive success, and interactions with natural enemies. Providing experience in entomological techniques and an understanding of complex behaviour and ecosystem interactions.• Vector feeding behaviour using the electrical penetration graph technique. Providing experience with electrophysiology and a detailed understanding of the interactions that occur at the plant-aphid interface. • Experimental design and associated data analysis skills using R/R Studio.The student will be working with Dr Daniel Leybourne, a Research Fellow based in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour. The project will be based in the Bioscience Building in the main campus where the student will benefit from participation in an active and inclusive research environment. This will include frequent meetings with the supervisor to plan the project, identify areas for training, and discuss how the student can maximise the success of the studentship; this will ensure the student develops transferable skills as well as technical skills. The student will also participate in weekly group meetings, this will imbed and expose the student to the academic research environment. Recommended reading for the projectLeybourne, 2024. How does vector diversity influence the transmission efficiency of yellow dwarf virus? Perspectives from a review. Plant Pathology, doi: 10.1111/ppa.13871 Leybourne et al., 2024. Genetic diversity in vector populations influences the transmission efficiency of an important plant virus. Biology Letters, doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2024.0095Sanches et al., 2023. Endosymbionts modulate virus effects on aphid-plant interactions. THE ISME Journal, doi: 10.1038/s41396-023-01549-z Mauck et al., 2018. Evolutionary Determinants of Host and Vector Manipulation by Plant Viruses. Advances in Virus Research, doi: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2018.02.007Ingwell et al., 2012. Plant viruses alter insect behavior to enhance their spread. Scientific Reports, doi: 10.1038/srep00578 |
