There are 15 aphid species that can non-persistently transmit MDMV. The aphids mainly feed on the family Poaceae. MDMV overwinters in alternate hosts. These hosts range is sorghum, maize, and Johnson grass. Symptoms appear six weeks after aphids feed and transmit the virus. The aphid acquires the virus within seconds of feeding on an infected plant, either maize, Johnson grass, or sorghum. There is no latent period for transmission to new host plants. After acquiring MDMV an aphid is able to transmit the virus within 15–30 minutes. Aphids do not retain MDMV after molting.