Question

Viruses, not transmitted by the plant hoppers are/is:
A. Rhabdo viruses
B. Tenui viruses
C. Neo viruses
D. Begmo viruses
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A and C only
• B. B and C only
• C. A and B only
• D. D only

Hint:

Begmoviruses are geminiviruses that are transmitted exclusively by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), while rhabdoviruses and tenuiviruses are commonly transmitted by planthoppers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Plant-associated viruses exhibit specificity in their insect vectors.
Different virus families rely on specific insect groups, such as planthoppers or whiteflies, for transmission.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the vector relationships of the virus groups listed:
1. Rhabdoviruses (A): These are enveloped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses.
They are transmitted by leafhoppers and planthoppers (such as Peregrinus maidis) in a propagative-circulative manner.
2. Tenuiviruses (B): These are thin, filamentous, single-stranded RNA viruses.
They are transmitted by planthoppers (family Delphacidae) in a persistent-propagative manner.
3. Begmoviruses (D): This genus belongs to the family Geminiviridae and consists of single-stranded DNA viruses.
Begmoviruses are transmitted exclusively by the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (family Aleyrodidae).
They are not transmitted by planthoppers or leafhoppers.
Therefore, Begmoviruses (D) are not transmitted by planthoppers.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct option is "D only".