Genetic variation among active and inactive transmitters of Maize streak virus within a population of Cicadulina storeyi China (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)

This study was undertaken to delineate active transmitters from inactive ones within a population of Cicadulina storeyi China, vector of Maize streak virus (MSV), genus Mastrevirus using Mendelian crosses, random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) and isozyme esterase analysis. This study indicated that the variation is genetic. Four out of six Mendelian crosses perfectly fitted the expected ratio. Molecular studies with random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR and isozymic studies with esterase analysis showed significant polymorphism and were useful to separate active and inactive transmitters within C. storeyi population. MSV was detected within the vectors through PCR and IC-PCR. IC-PCR was used to show that there was no difference in the distribution of MSV within active and inactive C. storeyi as the virus was detected in the head, thorax and abdomen of active and inactive transmitters.