Abstract
Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) caused by geminiviruses is one of the important diseases of cassava Manihot esculenta Crantz causing severe yield loss. Use of resistant varieties is the most feasible measure to manage virus diseases. Eleven germplasms of cassava including Kirikavadi, MU51 and CARI 555 that are recommended and released for cultivation by the Department of Agriculture (DOA) were evaluated for their susceptibility to cassava mosaic disease. Pot experiments were carried out in a planthouse at 30 ± 3 °C. Twenty replicates from each germplasm were inoculated by wedge grafting method and were examined for symptoms of CMD. The germplasms WA/KK/10 and 555/KK/2 were highly resistant to CMD infection as assessed by percentage infection and by Triple Antibody Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (TAS ELISA) tests. All other types (HORDI 28, HORDI 6,CARI 555, MU51, Kirikawadi, BW1, BW2,Wariyapola, and Wagolla) were susceptible to varying degrees. Among the germplasms tested HORDI 6 was highly susceptible to CMD.
Highlights
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important tuber crop and is one of the major sources of carbohydrate that fulfils the dietary requirements of Sri Lankan families with low income
Among the germplasms tested HORDI 6 was highly susceptible to Cassava mosaic disease (CMD)
The results revealed that two of the germplasms tested, namely WA/KK/10 and 555/KK/2 were highly resistant to infection whereas all other types (HORDI 28, HORDI 6, CARI 555, MU51, Kirikawadi, BW1, BW2, Wariyapola, and Wagolla) were susceptible to varying degrees (Table 1)
Summary
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important tuber crop and is one of the major sources of carbohydrate that fulfils the dietary requirements of Sri Lankan families with low income. Cassava is cultivated on a small scale and in home gardens in the wet and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka mainly for local consumption. The production has increased to supply the export market[1]. Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is the most important viral disease and is caused by several geminiviruses. It occurs in many countries where cassava is grown, and is a limiting factor of cassava production in Africa and India, causing 20-90% yield-loss[2]. Primary spread of the disease is by stem cuttings obtained from infected plants and the secondary spread is brought about by whitefly vector called Bemisia tabaci (Gennedius)[3]
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