Identification of wheat streak mosaic virus and its vector Aceria tosichella in Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify a pathogen observed in wheat in the Texcoco area (Mexico). The symptoms induced by this pathogen are consistent with those caused by a virus. Identification was based on host range, symptoms, mode of transmission, and on serological and morphological characterization. The pathogen was mechanically transmitted to Triticum aestivum, T. durum, Secale cereale, × Triticosecale, Avena sativa, and Hordeum vulgare. The virus particles were flexuous rods, 700 nm long that produced cylindrical inclusions seen as pinwheel inclusions under the electron microscope. The pathogen reacted with Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) antibodies in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An eriophyoid mite associated with this virus was identified as Aceria tosichella and found to transmit the virus efficiently. Based on its characteristics, the pathogen was identified as WSMV. During this study, the virus appeared sporadically in test plots without causing significant yield losses.