Journal of Economic Entomology (2016) 109, 966-968

J. García González, F.A. Ossamu Tanaka and J.R. Spotti Lopes (2016)
First findings in the route of the Maize bushy stunt phytoplasma within its vector Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
Journal of Economic Entomology 109 (2), 966-968
Abstract: In the pathosystem of Dalbulus madis (DeLong and Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), a vector of maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP), the interactions occurring during the passage, invasion, and multiplication of the phytoplasma inside the vector body have been generalized from other pathosystems, with a poor understanding of the specific interactions. With the aim to understand MBSP movement and potential specific interactions with its vector, D. maidis adults were dissected to obtain the intestine and salivary gland of both infected (acquisition access period = 4 d; latent period = 23 d) and noninfected individuals. The organs were processed for visualization with transmission electronic microscopy. Images of phytoplasma cells were observed in the alimentary canal, epithelium of the mesenteron, hemocele, and salivary gland of the vector, and were confirmed through observation of similar cells in maize roots with advanced disease symptoms. The study of the MBSP movement within its vector shows novel findings between the synergy of the MBSP phytoplasma and D. maidis.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): João Roberto Spotti Lopes

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
transmission/dispersal of plant diseases

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Maize bushy stunt phytoplasma	Maize/corn (Zea mays)
	Dalbulus maidis	Maize/corn (Zea mays)