Viruses Promote Trophic Facilitation in Aphids - Feeding Behaviour Data 

The dataset includes three csv files: [1] effects of pre-inhabitation and viruses on the feeding behavior of Rhopalosiphum padi and R. maidis (min). [2] effects of pre-inhabitation and viruses on the fecundity of R. padi and R. maidis (total offspring in laboratory and field). [3] effect of pre-inhabitation and viruses on the host plant nutrient content (amino acids, total sterols, and simple sugars-mg/g). These data might be used by researchers studying positive interactions, effects of viruses on host plants and vectors, phytochemistry of the wheat plant, and feeding behavior of phloem-feeders. 

We at TERN acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Australia, New Zealand and all nations. We honour their profound connections to land, water, biodiversity and culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. 

Pathogens and other parasites can have profound effects on biological communities and ecosystems. Here we explore how plant viruses (BYDV and CYDV) influence the foraging performance and fecundity of two aphid species( Rhopalosiphum maidis and R. padi), and the virus effects on the nutrient content of the host plant (Triticum aestivum-spring var.). 

Electrical penetration graphing : Electrical penetration graphing measures changes in voltage and resistance of the circuit between the plant and the feeding insect. Voltage changes allow to monitor a diversity of phloem-feeders feeding behaviors. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry:The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) with a column RX 5 msi (30 m x 250 μm x 0.25 μm; Phenomenex, Torrence, CA, USA), with equilibration time 0.2 min. The oven program was 168 ˚C for 8.9 min, then 30 ˚C min-1 to 255 ˚C, 1 ˚C min-1 to 270 ˚C, 100 ˚C to 300 ˚C for 1 min, then 120 ˚C min-1 to 168 ˚C for 1 min; run time 30.2 min, 0.2 min (post run) at 168 ˚C, flow rate (He) 1 mL min-1. Front SS inlet He: mode splitless, heather on 250 ˚C. MS data acquired in scan mode 40 - 1000. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry : Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis: we used Water/micromass Quatro LC mass spectrometer interfaced to an Agilent 1100 fitter with Waters AccQ-Tag 3.9 x 150 mm column. The mobile phase A was 10 mM ammonium formate in 0.1% formic acid and mobile phase B was acetonitrile. Flow rate was constant at 1 m min-1. The gradient separation was time (min) –B: 0-5, 2-5, 15-30, 20-60, 21-60, 22-5, and 30-5.