How are plant viruses typically transmitted?

Plant viruses are primarily transmitted through physical contact of infected plant material and by vectors such as insects and mites. When infected plant tissues come into contact with healthy plants, the virus can transfer through wounds or natural openings in the plant. Additionally, many insect vectors, like aphids and whiteflies, can carry plant viruses as they feed on the sap of infected plants and then move to healthy plants, introducing the virus in the process. Mites also play a role in this transmission. This multidimensional pathway highlights how plant viruses are not limited to one mode of transmission and underscores the significance of managing insect populations in agricultural settings to reduce the spread of these viruses.