Maize stripe

Maize stripe is a plant disease caused by the Maize stripe virus (MStV), which is classified under the family Tenuiviridae and the genus Tenuivirus. This pathogen utilizes a multipartite RNA genome, allowing it to efficiently manipulate host plant processes, leading to stunted growth and necrosis.

The primary host for this virus is maize (Zea mays), although it also infects other Poaceae species like sorghum and rice. Typical symptoms include the development of chlorotic stripes along the leaf veins, which often lead to severe leaf distortion, poor tassel development, and reduced grain fill.

The biological cycle is strictly dependent on its insect vector, the corn planthopper Peregrinus maidis. The virus exhibits circulative, propagative transmission, meaning it replicates within the vector, ensuring that the insect remains infectious for its entire lifespan and can even pass the virus to its offspring.

Epidemiological spread is favored by warm tropical and subtropical conditions, which promote high populations of Peregrinus maidis. The pathogen often persists in weed reservoirs surrounding agricultural fields, from where vectors migrate into young, susceptible corn crops during early development stages.

The economic impact of Maize stripe is significant, often leading to total crop failure in susceptible hybrids. Effective integrated pest management (IPM) is crucial to minimize losses and should include the following measures:

• Planting genetically resistant or tolerant maize varieties.
• Monitoring and managing planthopper populations with insecticides.
• Removing alternative weed hosts in and around the field.
• Optimizing planting dates to avoid periods of high vector activity.