Available pieces of information on Cicadulina sp. leafhopper biology, with specific references to the suitability of various species for mass rearing and resistance screening for maize streak virus (MSV) are critically reviewed. The following are summarized: (a) effect of distribution pattern and species composition on the efficiency of collection of live specimens for establishing a colony for mass rearing; (b) species biology and fecundity as affected by temperature and humidity; (c) species specificity in MSV transmission; (d) host plant preference and adaptation to mass rearing conditions. All these parameters affect the suitability of various Cicadulina species used as vectors in maize resistance screening and breeding to MSV disease.

The success in streak virus resistance breeding at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has depended mostly on developing suitable techniques for mass rearing Cicadulina triangula as a vector. Since 1977, IITA scientists have continuously improved maize streak virus (MSV) screening techniques. Recent innovations in mass rearing Cicadulina have made it possible to infest experimental maize fields at IITA with as many as 180,000–200,000 viruliferous leafhoppers each week. The 10–14 day old maize seedlings have been replaced with millet plants for oviposition and rearing of nymphs. The effect of temperature on the biology of C. triangula was studied under growth-chamber and screen house conditions. Monitoring to find out the percentage of active virus transmitters in the research population helps to indicate the number of viruliferous leafhoppers which should be released per experimental plant to secure 90–95% efficiency of MSV infections. Three-leaf stage plants produce clear streak virus symptoms after 5–7 days. Older plants require a higher number of Cicadulina adults to produce symptoms.