RNA can also undergo RNA-RNA recombination in presence of an RNA virus. So it is not impossible that the the maize necrotic streak virus might be the result of recombination of a Tombus virus and genetic material derived from CaMV promoter DNA in GE corn. See also Correspondence with the discoverer of this virus , Dr Redinbaugh and commment by Dr Cummins. First discovered in Georgia, Redinbaugh said the virus has similar symptoms to several corn diseases including maize mosaic virus, maize chlorotic dwarf mosaic virus and maize rayado fino. Insects, namely planthoppers and leafhoppers, easily transmit those diseases.
Studies have yet to determine if an insect like the planthopper transmits the unknown virus.
References Two New Corn Viruses Discovered by Candace Pollock. Ohioline news, November 21, 2000. Published by Ohio State University, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. Raymond Louie, M. G. Redinbaugh, D. T. Gordon et al. This risk is recognised even by the leading biotech company Monsanto and by the US Department of Agriculture .