Maize fine streak virus, a newly characterized virus of maize in the US
In the 1970s, rhabdovirus-like particles were isolated from maize in southeastern US. This virus has now been characterized. In 1999, samples showing stunting and fine chlorotic streaks were obtained in Georgia, US. The virus was identified as a distinct new virus in the family Rhabdoviridae, and was tentatively called Maize fine streak nucleorhabdovirus. This virus is transmitted by the leafhopper Graminella nigrifrons under persistent conditions. Although this virus seems to have limited importance and limited distribution, the authors make the assumption that it may have emerged because of recent changes in agronomic practices, with the shift to insect-resistant Bt sweet corn, which is no longer sprayed against other insects.
Sources
Redinbaugh, M.G.; Seifers, D.L.; Meulia, T.; Abt, J.J.; Anderson, RJ.; Styer, W.E.; Ackerman, J.; Salomon, R.; Houghton, W.; Creamer, R.; Gordon, D.T.; Hogenhout, S.A. (2002) Maize fine streak virus, a new leafhopper-transmitted rhabdovirus.
Phytopathology, 92(11), 1167-1174.