Distribution of Cassava Mosaic Geminiviruses and their Associated DNA Satellites in Kenya

Abstract

A countrywide survey was conducted to determine the distribution, incidence, prevalence and severity of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and the associated DNA satellites in Kenya. Dis ease transmission either by whitefly or infected cuttings was evaluated. PCR detection method was used for the detection of these viruses and the associated DNA satellites. CMD was widely distributed in the country with an average incidence of 57%, whereas Coast province recorded the highest incidence (74%). The prevalence of CMD countrywide was 84% with Nyanza province recording the highest (96%), whereas Eastern province had the least (67%). The spread of CMD through use of infected cuttings accounted for 80% of the infected plants compared to the whitefly - borne infections which accounted for 19%. East African Cassava Mosaic Virus (EACMV) and African Cassava