Semipersistent transmission of an 'extra mild' isolate of cowpea mild mottle virus on soya bean by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Genn. in Nigeria

Abstract

Adult whiteflies caged singly and in groups of five acquired the 'extra mild' isolate of cowpea mild mottle virus in minimum acquisition access period of one hour and 15 minutes, respectively, and transmitted it in a minimum inoculation access period of five minutes. A latent period of ? 135 minutes in the whitefly could be observed, and infectivity could be retained for 2-3 days, confirming a semi-persistent mode of transmission. Transmission efficiency increased with increase in acquisition access period.