Incidence and geographic distribution of maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) in Latin America

Samples of maize (Zea mays L.) exhibiting symptoms of the maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) were collected in eight Latin American countries during August to December of 1992, as part of a survey of virus distribution. Maize with MRFV symptoms were found in all countries and life zones sampled. Of the 103 collected plants tested for the presence of MRFV using hybridization with an MRFV cRNA probe, 75% were positive for the virus. Much variation in MRFV symptoms and symptom expression patterns was found.