LOCATION OF GEMINIVIRUSES IN THE WHITEFLY BEMISIA-TABACI (HOMOPTERA, ALEYRODIDAE)

The location of tomato mottle virus (ToMoV) and cabbage leaf curl viru s (CabLCV) (Geminiviridae, genus Begomovirus) in the whitefly vector B emisia tabaci B-biotype (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) was elucidated using a novel technique incorporating indirect immunofluorescent labeling in freshly dissected whiteflies. Begomoviruses were visualized in the wh itefly by indirect-fluorescent-microscopy. Polyclonal and monoclonal p rimary antibodies were used to successfully detect both ToMoV and CabL CV. Both begomoviruses were located in the anterior region of the midg ut and filter-chamber of adult whiteflies, with ToMoV detected in the salivary glands. CabLCV was detected at a greater frequency than ToMoV , with a positive detection of 16% (89 out of 560) for CabLCV and 3% ( 25 out of 840) for ToMoV. Possible sites involved in geminivirus trans port from the gut lumen of whiteflies into the hemocoel were located i n the filter-chamber and anterior portion of the midgut. The location of these begomoviruses suggests a possible scenario of virus movement through the whitefly, which is discussed.