The importance of maize bushy stunt caused by a phytoplasma is increasing due to successive corn (Zea mays) cultivation. The pathogen is transmitted mainly by the leafhopper Dalbulus maidis. In order to evaluate the effect of infective population of the vector on grain yield and severity of symptoms, ten-day old plants of the susceptible hybrid XLX-520 were inoculated with one, three, six and nine insects, for a four-day feeding period. Control plants were infested with healthy insects or were not submitted to insect feeding. The most common symptoms observed were red leaves, stunt and ear proliferation. Grain yield, kernel quality and the height of plants were reduced as the infective population increased. Furthermore, the incidence and intensity of symptoms were greater as the infective population increased. Yield reductions of 35.0, 53.7, 65.7, and 91.3% were obtained when plants were inoculated with one, three, six and nine infective insects, respectively. It is possible that a larger infective insect population results in a higher initial inoculum amount and consequently, a stronger effect of the disease on the plants.
