Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Stylet borne viruses are transmitted by Myzus persicae
Statement II: Stylet borne viruses are transmitted by Aphis gossypii
In the light of above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Hint:

Stylet-borne (non-persistent) viruses do not require an incubation period inside the vector, and are transmitted mechanically via the stylet tips of aphids like Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Stylet-borne (non-persistent) viruses are acquired and transmitted by insect vectors within seconds or minutes of probing.
The virus particles adhere to the distal lining of the vector's stylet and are introduced into the next plant during subsequent probing, without entering the vector's internal tissues.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us examine the vector efficiency of the two aphid species:
1. Statement I: The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (family Aphididae), is a highly efficient vector of plant viruses.
It can transmit over 100 different non-persistent, stylet-borne viruses, including Potato Virus Y (PVY) and Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), during brief probing on host plants.
Therefore, Statement I is correct.
2. Statement II: The cotton aphid (or melon aphid), Aphis gossypii, is also an abundant, polyphagous vector species.
It transmits numerous stylet-borne viruses affecting cucurbits, solanaceous crops, and cotton, including Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV) and Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV).
Therefore, Statement II is correct.
Both aphid species utilize their piercing-sucking stylets to probe epidermal cells, allowing for rapid mechanical acquisition and transmission of non-persistent viruses.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.