Mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) Species Associated with Cacao Mild Mosaic Virus and Evidence of Virus Acquisition.

is affected by viruses on every continent where the crop is cultivated, with the most well-known ones belonging to the genus. One of these, cacao mild mosaic virus (CaMMV), is present in the Americas, and is transmitted by several species of Pseudococcidae (mealybugs). To determine which species are associated with virus-affected cacao plants in North America, and to assess their potential as vectors, mealybugs ( = 166) were collected from infected trees in Florida, and identified using COI, ITS2, and 28S markers. The species present were (38%; = 63), (34.3%; = 57), (15.7%; = 26), and (12%; = 20). Virus acquisition was assessed by testing mealybug DNA (0.8 ng) using a nested PCR that amplified a 500 bp fragment of the movement protein-coat protein region of CaMMV. Virus sequences were obtained from 34.6 to 43.1% of the insects tested; however, acquisition did not differ among species, X (3, = 166) = 0.56, < 0.91. This study identified two new mealybug species, and , as potential vectors of CaMMV. This information is essential for understanding the infection cycle of CaMMV and developing effective management strategies.