Did (Sulzer) from potato reared on a novel host for 15 years retain its host-related properties?

(Sulzer) is an important agricultural pest worldwide causing major economic losses due to its ability to transmit over 100 viruses including (PVY). shows considerable variation with respect to performance on its host plants. The objective of this study was to use a survival experiment, behavioural observations, including observations of probing and feeding behaviour obtained using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique, and a PVY acquisition experiment to determine whether or not potato was still the more suitable host for originating on potato and reared on a novel host, table beet, for over 15 years. In a survival experiment, the pre-reproductive period was significantly longer while adult survival and whole longevity were significantly lower for reared on beet fed beet leaves compared to reared on potato fed potato leaves. The number of progenies produced and fecundity were both significantly reduced (90 and 85%, respectively) for reared on beet fed beet leaves. Ethological observations and EPG assessment of behaviour reared on beet placed on beet leaves showed significantly impaired behavioural responses compared to reared on potato placed on potato leaves. The rate of PVY acquisition was the same for reared on beet and on potato. These results indicate that after 15 years on table beet, still performs better on its original host, potato, and appears to be a specialized potato-adapted genotype.