The interactions of vector-virus-plant have important ecological and evolutionary implications. In this presentation, I will use the case studies on the whitefly vectors, begomoviruses, and plants to illustrate the complexity, consequences and mechanisms of this type of tripartite interactions. The interactions between begomoviruses and their whitefly vectors via their shared host plants can be mutualistic, neutral or negative depending on the species/strains of each type of the organisms involved. With regard to the mechanisms of plant-mediated positive effects of the viruses on whiteflies, three case studies indicate that suppression of jasmonic acid/salicylic acid related plant defence plays an important role. Our recent studies show that the order of arrival of the interacting vector insects and viruses on the plants may also alter the physiological feature and consequences of the interactions. Future efforts in this area should try to expand the number and diversity of case studies in order to reveal the patterns of interactions, to unravel the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of the interactions using a multidisciplinary approach, and to examine the virus-plant-vector interactions in the field and in natural plant communities.

• Shu-Sheng Liu(Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University)