Multiplication of maize rayado fino virus in the leafhopper vector Dalbulus maidis.

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to demonstrate the increase in titer of maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) in its leafhopper vector, Dalbulus maidis. Viral antigen concentration attained a maximum in the body of the insect 25 days after virus acquisition and decreased thereafter. Substantial differences in concentration were observed among viruliferous leafhoppers. MRFV was serially passed through 5 successive leafhopper populations. The results provide further evidence of multiplication of MRFV in D. maidis.