Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Plant viruses are classified into categories (non-persistent, semi-persistent, and persistent) based on how they interact with and are transmitted by their insect vectors.
Detailed Explanation:
- Analysis of Statement (I): Persistent plant viruses are further divided into circulative (non-propagative) and circulative-propagative viruses.
Propagative viruses enter the vector's body, cross the gut wall, and actively replicate (multiply) within the vector's tissues (such as the salivary glands and hemolymph) before transmission.
Therefore, stating that propagative viruses cannot multiply in their vectors is incorrect.
- Analysis of Statement (II): Non-persistent viruses are carried externally on the cuticular lining of the insect's mouthparts (specifically the stylet tip).
They are acquired and transmitted within seconds or minutes of feeding without entering the insect's body, and are commonly referred to as stylet-borne viruses.
Therefore, Statement (II) is correct.
Step 2: Final Answer:
Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct, corresponding to option (4).