author(s)
Gandhi Gracy R and Murali. S

abstract
The relationship between insect vectors, the pathogens, and the plant are more complex. The attempt to unravel the complexity elucidated much theory. In this study, we would like to analyze the various types of interactions between the viruses and their insects' vectors. The study reviewed the various work done on the relationship between the insect vectors and their plant viruses, to understand that do the viruses during the course of evolution offered any benefit for their vectors? The study clearly states that the evolved relationship between the plant viruses and its insect vectors can be classified into three categories viz., Mutualistic, Non-mutualistic (Neutral) and Antagonistic. In mutualistic interaction, the viruses offer some benefits to their insect vectors for their own benefits. This was mostly observed in persistent transmission type where the virus should be in the insect system for a longer period. The non- mutualistic interaction was observed in semi- persistent transmission, here the relationship between virus and vectors are going to be lost for few hours. So the manipulation of the vector behaviour occurred, without any cost effective or deleterious effect to the vectors. The antagonistic relationships were normally observed in non-persistent transmission. Here, the virus has to be transferred immediately to the host plant, so the virus manipulates the vector, which is cost-effective to the vectors. We would like to conclude the answer to the question, “Do plant viruses benefit their insect vectors?” as, yes it is! Perhaps if the relationship is the long lasting (Persistent).