Author : Kitajima, E.W.

Summary : Studies on the interaction of viruses and mollicutes with maize plants or their vectors are producing important data that complements the characterization of these pathogens and assists in their detection through diagnostic procedures. For example, symptoms induced by MRFV and MMV sometimes may be confusing, but their cytopathic effects are clearly distinct enough to permit their correct identification. Confirmation of the presence of mollicutes can be made easily by the observation of the pleomorphic or helical bodies in the sieve tubes. Detection of viruses or mollicutes in the vectors not only helps us understand the pathogen cycle in these organisms, but also provides important information for epidemiological studies. On the other hand, immunocyto-chemical and in situ hybridization experiments provide clues to follows the replicative processes of the pathogens and the phenomena related to resistance agrainst them.