Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #175789
Title: RHABDOVIRUS HOST RANGE: A BUG'S VIEW

Author
item HOGENHOUT, S - OSU
item Redinbaugh, Margaret
item AMMAR, E - OSU

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2004
Publication Date: 8/30/2005
Citation: Hogenhout, S.A., Redinbaugh, M.G., Ammar, E.D. 2005. Rhabdovirus host range: a bug's view. Phytopathology. 94:S134.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Rhabdoviruses include human, animal and plant pathogens, and most are insect-transmitted. We use Maize fine streak virus (MFSV) and Maize mosaic virus (MMV) to study what determines the host range of rhabdoviruses. Whereas MFSV and MMV infect maize, they are vectored by insect species from different families; the leafhopper Graminella nigrifons transmits MFSV and the planthopper Peregrinus maidis transmits MMV. However, RT-PCR with MFSV-specific primers on insects fed from MFSV-infected maize plants showed that several insects are hosts of MFSV, but apparently do not vector this virus. We expect to find similar results for MMV. Recent microscopy data show that MMV infects many organs and tissues of P. maidis, but appears to primarily target the nerve cells. We hypothesize that, similarly to Rabies virus and other rhabdoviruses, MFSV and MMV may spread primarily via the nervous system of their insect vectors and hosts. Data obtained so far, including the genome sequences of MFSV and MMV, provide novel clues about what factors may play a role in determining rhabdovirus host range and vector specificity.