TRANSMISSION OF BROAD BEAN STAIN COMOVIRUS AND BROAD BEAN MOTTLE BROMOVIRUS BY WEEVILS IN SYRIA

Four weevil species naturally occurring on legumes in Syria were assay ed for their capability to transmit broad bean stain comovirus (BBSV) and broad bean mottle bromovirus (BBMV). Results indicated that Apion arrogans Wencher, Sitona limosa Rossi, and S. lineatus L. were capable to transmit both viruses. S. crinita Herbst, was an efficient vector of BBSV but failed to transmit BBMV. This is the first report on A. ar rogans, S. limosa and S. crinita as BBSV vectors, and S. limosa as a v ector of BBMV.