Planthopper Transmission of Ramu Stunt Virus, a Tenuivirus Causing the Sugarcane Disease Ramu Stunt, and its Distribution in Papua New Guinea

• DOI: 10.1094/pdis-01-19-0058-re
• Publication Date: 2019-05-16T15:22:36Z
• Authors: Kathryn S. Braith...; Leka Tom; Lastus S. Kuniata
• Keywords: New guinea; Planthopper; Saccharum officinarum; Tropical disease

Ramu stunt is a serious disease of sugarcane, currently only reported from Papua New Guinea. It found in both commercial sugarcane grown on the Agri Industries Limited (RAIL) estate and chewing canes (Saccharum officinarum L.) village gardens. The vector island planthopper, Eumetopina flavipes Muir. Here we report successful transmission using E. verify that caused by virus, virus with homology to genus Tenuivirus. Diagnostic reverse transcription PCR screening, partial genome sequencing viral protein characterization, was used for confirmation. Disease surveys were undertaken RAIL estate, along roadsides, gardens parts When identified, performed assess extent variability among isolates. less common than predicted early based symptoms alone, genotypic variation associated geographic location.