Fungal DNA virus infects a mycophagous insect and utilizes it as a transmission vector

Significance Sclerotinia sclerotiorum hypovirulence-associated DNA virus 1 (SsHADV-1) was originally isolated from a fungal pathogen; recent research revealed that SsHADV-1–like viruses are widespread in various niches including human tissues. Here, we discovered that SsHADV-1 could infect a mycophagous insect, Lycoriella ingenua , when larvae fed on virus-infected fungus; and viruliferous adults could transmit SsHADV-1 transovarially. We further found that SsHADV-1–infected fungus could suppress the production of repellent volatile substances to attract adults to lay eggs on its colony and that virus infection could stimulate female adults to produce more eggs. Our findings may facilitate the exploration of mycoviruses to control fungal diseases and suggest that insects may play an important role in the transmission and distribution of these newly emerging viruses.