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Oral Presentation
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Student Poster Display Competition

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

Student Competition

Student

Grad Poster Competition: P-IE, Genetics

Genetic diversity and insect virus prevalence of the corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis) across four states of the United States

Monday, November 10, 2025
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pacific
Location: Exhibit Hall A-A1, OCC
Poster Display Student Competition
The corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is an emerging pest in the United States (U.S.), with the potential to become a continuous threat in the corn belt. It not only damages maize by feeding but also vectors corn stunt associated pathogens that can cause substantial yield losses, especially in regions with favorable conditions for insect proliferation. Due to its recent emergence, knowledge of the genetic diversity of D. maidis in the U.S. is crucial for understanding patterns of dispersal, adaptation, and pathogen transmission in different populations. In this study, we investigate the genetic diversity of D. maidis specimens collected from Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas by sequencing complete or partial fragments of three mitochondrial genes: NadH1 (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1), COI (Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I) and Cyt B (Cytochrome B). We constructed phylogenetic trees to compare haplotypes and lineage relationships among samples from these four states. In parallel, we assessed insect virus prevalence to map the distribution and incidence of RNA viruses associated with this vector. Our screening panel included a beny-like virus (ChMBLV), a bunya-like virus (ChMBV), two iflaviruses (ChMIfV-1 and –2), an orthomyxo-like virus (ChMOMLV), and two flaviviruses recently characterized by our group (ChMFV-1 and –2). Together, these analyses illuminate both the genetic variation within vector populations and the potential influence of insect-specific viruses on plant pathogen transmission. Ultimately, our findings aim to inform targeted pest and disease management strategies in maize production systems and advance our understanding of multi-trophic, vector-borne plant pathosystems.