On the Mechanism of Transmission of Non-Persistent Phytopathogenic Viruses by Aphids

Abstract

The following is a working hypothesis, based on published data, to eluddate the mechanism of transmission of n9n-persistent viruses by aphids: The stylets of the vector become contaminated with virus during probing in infected tissues. Only this virus is of significance in disease transmission, and ingested virus plays no part in the process. Some of the virus on the stylets is inactivated by salivary fluids. Viruses differ in their susceptibility to this inhibition and different species of aphids vary in the production of the inhibitor. Fasting decreases the activity of the salivary inhibitors.