Question

Vector of rice tungro virus
(A) Graminella nigrifrons
(B) Nephotettix virescens
(C) Nilaparvata lugens
(D) Nephotettix cincticeps
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) and (B) only
• (A) and (C) only
• (B) only
• (C) and (D) only

Hint:

Associate "Tungro" with the Green Leafhopper (Nephotettix virescens). It is a semi-persistent virus, meaning it does not persist in the vector after molting and is lost within a few days.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Rice Tungro Disease is a destructive viral disease of rice caused by a dual infection of two distinct viruses: Rice Tungro Bacilliform Virus (RTBV) and Rice Tungro Spherical Virus (RTSV).
It is transmitted primarily by leafhoppers (family Cicadellidae) in a semi-persistent manner.
Detailed Explanation:
The primary and most efficient vector of Rice Tungro Virus in Asian rice ecosystems is the green leafhopper, {Nephotettix virescens (Distant) (B).
- Nephotettix virescens acquires the viruses during feeding and can transmit them to healthy plants immediately.
- While other leafhoppers like Nephotettix cincticeps (D) can transmit the virus in some regions (such as Japan), Nephotettix virescens is the primary vector.
- Nilaparvata lugens (C) is the brown planthopper (family Delphacidae), which transmits Rice Grassy Stunt and Rice Ragged Stunt viruses, not Tungro.
- Graminella nigrifrons (A) is the black-faced leafhopper, which transmits Maize Chlorotic Dwarf Virus in the Americas.
Among the choices provided, (B) only represents the primary, highly efficient vector of the disease.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The primary vector of the rice tungro virus is Nephotettix virescens, corresponding to (B) only (option 3).