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Vector Relations

Beetle Transmission of Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus. H. A. Hobbs, Graduate student, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701; J. P. Fulton, professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701. Phytopathology 69:255-256. Accepted for publication 11 September 1978. Copyright 1979 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-69-255.

Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus was transmitted by the bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata, and by the spotted cucumber beetle, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardii. Three strains of the virus were transmitted at low levels. Levels of transmission were highest when virus was acquired from and transmitted to beans. Levels were much lower when the virus was either acquired from or transmitted to cowpeas. Lespedeza cuneata, which may be an overwintering host, was a poor source of virus for vectors.