Comparative transmission of soybean dwarf virus by three geographically diverse populations of Aulacorthum (= Acyrthosiphon) solani

Abstract

SUMMARY: Three populations of Aulacorthum (=Acyrthosiphon) solani were compared as vectors of the two strains of soybean dwarf virus (SDV). United States (CA = California) and New Zealand (NZ) populations transmitted both SDV strains less efficiently than did the Japanese population. The CA and NZ populations most readily colonised leaflettuce, curled dock, or wild geranium and the Japanese aphids readily colonised soybeans and curled dock. CA and NZ aphids were smaller, more pigmented, and less prolific on the hosts tested than were Japanese aphids. Nymphs were more efficient vectors than adults. Alatae and apterae transmitted the virus with equal efficiency. All aphids transmitted the dwarfing strain more efficiently than the yellowing strain.