Abstract
Maize streak disease is a major threat to cereal crops amongst smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa causing up to US$480 million losses annually. It is caused by Maize streak virus (MSV), a geminivirus that is indigenous to Africa. The virus is transmitted by at least 11 Cicadulina species, with Cicadulina mbila being the main vector. In addition to cereals, the virus also infects wild grasses. There are 11 known MSV strains, designated with the letters A to K, according to alphabetical order. MSV-A is the most severe and economically important strain that attacks maize. The other strains attack cereal crops other than maize. The control of MSV is most effective when cultural and chemical methods are integrated with plant breeding for resistance. While host plant resistance is the best method of MSV management, it is not usually easy to conventionally produce resistant cultivars. Genetic engineering has been successfully employed in producing MSV-resistant maize. However, opponents of genetic engineering have prevented the adoption of the technology by most African countries. This means that smallholder farmers have to continue growing susceptible cultivars or buy the slightly more expensive conventionally-bred cultivars. Key words: Cicadulina, host range, integrated disease management, pathogen strains, symptoms.
Highlights
Maize streak virus (MSV) is one of at least eight viruses that cause significant agronomic losses in maize (Zea mays L.) worldwide (Redinbaugh et al, 2004). It is the causative agent for maize streak disease (MSD), a major maize disease in sub-Saharan Africa (Ininda et al, 2006; Magenya et al, 2008; Martin and Shepherd, 2009) where it manifests from sea level to 2000 m above sea level (Welz et al, 1998)
MSD remains an important disease in sub-Saharan
In spite of no major, widely reported epidemics having occurred in the last two decades, the disease is there to stay in the region
Summary
Africa causing up to US$480 million losses annually. It is caused by Maize streak virus (MSV), a geminivirus that is indigenous to Africa. The virus is transmitted by at least 11 Cicadulina species, with. MSV-A is the most severe and economically important strain that attacks maize. The other strains attack cereal crops other than maize. Genetic engineering has been successfully employed in producing MSV-resistant maize. Opponents of genetic engineering have prevented the adoption of the technology by most African countries. This means that smallholder farmers have to continue growing susceptible cultivars or buy the slightly more expensive conventionally-bred cultivars
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