In recent years, extensive laborato

In recent years, extensive laboratory studies have been conducted to characterize vector proteins involved in virus transmission. Interestingly, Cilia et al. (2012) report that protein biomarkers associated with vector competency in the aphid Schizaphis graminum are highly conserved in two other aphid species and in the whitefly B. tabaci. The conservation of these proteins in multiple insect taxa that transmit plant viruses along the circulative transmission pathway creates the opportunity to use these biomarkers to rapidly identify insect populations that are the most efficient vectors and allow them to be targeted for control. Accurate detection and identification of viruses is necessary for disease control. In this section, novel antibodies against Tomato yellow leaf curl virus are presented in a paper by Wu et al. (2012). The authors also established a Triple Antibody Sandwich ELISA method with the monoclonal antibodies that can be used as a diagnostics tool to study etiology and epidemiology of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus and other begomoviruses.