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Electron microscopy of maize rayado fino virus in the internal organs of its leafhopper vector
Abstract:
Discrete groups of 20- to 25-nm isometric particles, considered to represent maize rayado fino virus (RFV), were consistently observed in the ectoderm, fat body, midgut, follicular cells of the ovary, muscle, and salivary glands of RFV-infected Dalbulus maidis. The particles commonly occurred within cytoplasmic bodies bound by membranes, some of them resembling lysosomes, and were not found in nonviruliferous insects. These findings are congruent with previous studies on the multiplication of RFV in D. maidis. The absence of cytopathologic effects due to viral infection at the ultrastructural level confirms biological data on the absence of deleterious effects of the virus in its vector.
Insights
Maize rayado fino virus (RFV) particles were found in many tissues of infected Dalbulus maidis. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed RFV replicates in its vector without causing harm.
Area of Science:
- Plant Virology
- Insect Pathology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Maize rayado fino virus (RFV) is a significant pathogen affecting maize crops.
- Understanding the interaction between RFV and its vector, Dalbulus maidis, is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ultrastructurally characterize the presence and distribution of RFV particles within D. maidis.
- To investigate potential cytopathologic effects of RFV infection in its vector.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine RFV-infected and non-infected D. maidis tissues.
- Infected tissues included ectoderm, fat body, midgut, ovary, muscle, and salivary glands.
Main Results:
- Discrete 20- to 25-nm isometric RFV particles were consistently observed in multiple D. maidis tissues.
- Viral particles were found within membrane-bound cytoplasmic bodies, some resembling lysosomes.
- No cytopathologic effects were observed at the ultrastructural level in infected insects.
Conclusions:
- The findings support previous studies on RFV multiplication within D. maidis.
- RFV infection does not induce deleterious effects in its vector at the ultrastructural level.