LAUSR

ABSTRACT Plant-pathogenic viruses cause physiological and biochemical changes in the host plant as well as direct and indirect effects on the biology and behaviour of the vector. Brevipalpus yothersi Baker is considered the main vector of Citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV-C). Under laboratory conditions, we studied the effect of feeding on CiLV-C-infected oranges compared with virus-free oranges, on the duration of the life cycle of B. yothersi and the longevity and fecundity of adult female progeny. Life table parameters were estimated and compared between both populations. No virus was detected in virus-free treatments, while the virus was always detected in mites feeding on virus-infected fruit; this was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. The duration of the developmental stages of B. yothersi was similar between both mite populations, and no differences in the longevity and fecundity of adult female progeny was observed. In the life table analysis R0 (net reproductive rate), DT (doubling time), λ (finite rate of increase) and Rm (intrinsic rate of increase) had lower values for mites feeding on virus-infected oranges than for mites feeding on uninfected oranges. In contrast, no differences were found in the mean generation time (MGT). Our results suggest an overall reduction in reproductive potential for mite’s feeding on virus-infected oranges.