DATASET [Dorai 2026] Novel transinfections of Rickettsiella across multiple clonal genotypes are compatible with chemical and entomopathogen control of Myzus persicae

In this paper we quantify the effect of the novel aphid endosymbiont transinfection Rickettsiella viridis on traditional control commonly used against aphids. Rickettsiella viridis has recently been proposed as a novel endosymbiotic bacteria for suppressing aphid populations because of associated fitness costs, but use of this endosymbiont as a biological control agent requires that it is compatible with traditional chemical control and biologicals such as entomopathogenic fungi. We have therefore taken four successful transinfections of M.persicae to investigate this issue on chemicals bifenthrin, dimethoate and imidacloprid; and entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. We show that the efficacy of chemicals and entomopathogen tested, are not compromised by the transinfection of Rickettsiella, making it a suitable potential biocontrol agent for M. persicae.