Graminella nigrifrons Transcriptome or Gene expression
Insects are the most important epidemiological factors of plant virus disease spread, with >75% of viruses dependent on insects for host transmission. However, little is known regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate the transmission processes and determine the efficiency of transmission. The black-faced leafhopper (Graminella nigrifrons) vectors two viruses which utilize different strategies for host transmission: the semi-persistent Maize chlorotic dwarf virus and the persistent propagative Maize fine streak virus. To identify genes that could be involved in a common or differential response to virus exposure, gene expression profiles were compared between G. nigrifrons fed on MCDV-infected, MFSV-infected, or healthy maize for four hours or seven days.