Transmission of Sorghum Stunt Mosaic Rhabdovirus by the Leafhopper Vector, Graminella sonora (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)

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Abstract
The transmission parameters of sorghum stunt mosaic rhabdovirus (SSMV) by the leafhopper Graminella sonora were determined. The minimum acquisition and inoculation times were 6 and 1 h, respectively, while 100% transmission was obtained from a 48-h acquisition access or a 24-h inoculation access period. Transmission efficiency was highest at temperatures of 24 to 36°C. The minimum latent period prior to transmission was 9 days at 30°C, with an 11-day incubation period necessary for 100% transmission. After a 14-day incubation period at 16°C, no transmission was obtained; however, doubling the incubation period to 28 days gave high levels of transmission. Double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) of individual leafhoppers held at 16°C for a 14-day incubation period detected no virus in leafhoppers, whereas over 50% of the leafhoppers had detectable virus after a 28-day incubation period. Graminella nigrifrons and Peregrinus maidis were not able to transmit SSMV.