Transmission of Citrus leprosis virus C by the Mite, Brevipalpus yothersi (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), on Four Species of Citrus

Transmission of the virus, Citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV-C) (Cilevirus) by Brevipalpus yothersi Baker, on different citrus species was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. First, the relationship between acquisition access periods (AAPs; 1, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h) and virus concentration in mites was determined. Second, the ability of B. yothersi to transmit CiLV-C to orange, mandarin, grapefruit, and lime trees was measured. We then assessed the establishment of mites on the different citrus species as measured by their population increase on each species. We found no relationship between AAPs and virus load in mites. The virus was found in all mites tested but there was no difference in virus quantities among the treatments. We selected an AAP of 24 h for the transmission experiment. Brevipalpus yothersi transmitted the virus to all citrus species evaluated, but susceptibility was different. The number of infected leaves was greater on orange and mandarin compared with grapefruit and lime. Furthermore, populations of B. yothersi successfully established on orange and mandarin, but not on grapefruit and lime trees. The implications of our results in the virus-mite-citrus plant relationship are discussed.