Table 2 Waveform characteristics and biological meaning of Dalbulus maidis on DC-EPG system on maize plants.
Waveform | Characteristics | Waveform transition | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
Np | -Baseline -Stylets out of plant tissue | Before waveform Dm1 | -Non-probing |
Dm1 | -Positive voltage -Varies in frequency -Similar to aphid/whitefly waveform “C”, with variable frequency -Sudden increase in voltage -High amplitude | The first waveform, after np | -Stylet pathway |
Dm2 | -Positive voltage -Varied in duration -Frequency 5–9 Hz -High amplitude -The waveform shape is like waveform G (xylem) for aphids and whiteflies | After Dm1 or Dm3 | -Possibly active ingestion of mesophyll or xylem cells -There is secretion of honeydew by the corn leafhopper, during this waveform |
Dm3 | -Positive voltage -Frequency 0–1 Hz -Characterized by sequences of sharp peaks with negative deflections of high amplitude | After Dm1 or Dm2 | Unknow |
Dm4 | -Negative voltage -Frequency 1–3 Hz -Low amplitude | After Dm1, Dm2 and always before Dm5 | -Phloem conditioning |
Dm5 | -Negative voltage -Frequency 1–3 Hz -Low amplitude | Always after D4 | -Probably phloem ingestion; 2 distinct patterns (Dm5a and Dm5b) -There is secretion of honeydew by the corn leafhopper, during this waveform |
