Effect of European wheat striate mosaic, acquired transovarially, on the biology of its planthopper vector Javesella pellucida

SUMMARY The proportion of infective nymphs of Javesella pellucida in the progenies of female vectors of European wheat striate mosaic (EWSM) disease ranged from 85 to 96%; 71% of these nymphs infected plants within one week of hatching. Inbreeding for one or two generations significantly decreased the viability of J. pellucida eggs, but EWSM had no effect on the viability of eggs laid by inbred or outbred vector lines. However, EWSM acquired transovarially usually increased the mortality of J. pellucida nymphs by 13 to 17%, although mortality was as high as 30% in some vector lines. EWSM, acquired transovarially for two generations, decreased the longevity of adult males and females of J. pellucida by 14%. Inbreeding for two generations resulted in 40% increase in the mortality of nymphs and more than 50% reduction in the longevity of adults.