Maize as a New Host for Oat blue dwarf virus.

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Virology
• Entomology

Background:

• Oat blue dwarf virus (OBDV) is a marafivirus affecting small grains in the North American Great Plains.
• Changing cropping patterns increase potential interactions between OBDV vectors and maize.
• Previous research indicated maize was not a host for OBDV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if maize can serve as a host for Oat blue dwarf virus (OBDV).
• To assess the potential of maize as a reservoir for OBDV transmission.
• To reevaluate maize susceptibility to OBDV, contrary to prior findings.

Main Methods:

• Viruliferous aster leafhoppers were used to inoculate young maize seedlings.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect OBDV presence.
• Leafhoppers were fed on infected maize and then transferred to barley and oats to assess transmission.

Main Results:

• Maize varieties, including sweet and field corn, were successfully infected with OBDV.
• Infection rates in maize ranged from 17% to 100% in initial tests.
• Infected maize efficiently transmitted OBDV to barley and oats via leafhoppers.

Conclusions:

• Maize is a susceptible host for Oat blue dwarf virus (OBDV).
• Maize can act as a natural reservoir for OBDV, potentially impacting cereal crops.
• This expands the known host range of OBDV and highlights epidemiological implications.