Abstract
Transmission of cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV) by chrysomelid beetles was studied by using single beetles in glasshouse trials in Trinidad. The transmission of the virus by Cerotoma ruficornis (Oliv.) was confirmed and three additional vector species were identified, namely C. arcuata (Oliv.), Gynandrobrotica equestris (Fab.) and Systena s-littera (L.). Cerotoma arcuata was found to be the most efficient vector and Systena s-littera the least efficient. Three other chrysomelids, Acalymma bivittulum (Kirsch), Diabrotica sinuata (Oliv.) and Homophoeta sp., proved to be non-vectors.