Emerging Threats of Whitefly-transmitted Plant Viruses: Insights into Global Spread, Management, and Vector-host Interactions

Abstract

The whitefly-transmitted viruses (WTVs) affect agricultural production systems in vegetables and crops yearly causing wide-scale economic damage of billions of dollars, and compromising global food security especially in hot climate regions. Bemisia tabaci is the primary vector that transmits more than 400 viruses, which belong to the Begomovirus, Crinivirus, Ipomovirus and Torradovirus genera. The assessment brings together contemporary knowledge regarding WTVs diversity, virus-vector-host relationships, transmission patterns, and management virus management practices. Begomoviruses are transmitted persistently, whereas both Criniviruses and Ipomoviruses are transmitted through semi-persistent methods. Research into whitefly salivary glands has revealed the process of virus-vector coevolution. Viral stability is enhanced by bacterial endosymbionts, including Rickettsia and Hamiltonella which support virus acquisition and prevent their escape. Whiteflies undergo behavioural changes due to viral influence which improves their ability to spread through hosts while simultaneously strengthening their fitness outcomes. The battle against WTVs requires the use of integrated management methods. Farmers can achieve crop protection by combining Ty-gene-based resistance in tomatoes against Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) with cultural practices, biological and mechanical methods and responsible insecticide use. Resistance-breaking viral strains pose significant challenges to ongoing management programs. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing represents a new approach for developing broad-spectrum resistance against viral infections. The epidemiology of whitefly transmitted viruses worsens due to climate change, whitefly biotype variation and global plant material movement. The review highlights the urgent need for improved virus monitoring systems alongside combined scientific investigations and worldwide research cooperation. Molecular studies should be integrated with practical management strategies to sustain WTV control and maintain agricultural stability while protecting worldwide food supplies. This detailed synthesis lays the foundation for addressing the growing threat posed by whitefly-transmitted viruses.