Molecular detection of two cassava Begomoviruses in some parts of Southern Nigeria
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Cassava mosaic disease (CMD), caused by an array of is the most economically important viral disease
of cassava in sub-Saharan Africa. The most frequently reported in West Africa are African cassava
mosaic virus (ACMV) and East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus (EACMCV). In this study, 42
cassava leaves and 30 symptomatic weeds belonging to the Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae and
Leguminosae families were collected from backyard gardens in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, and Delta States
in 2009. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracts from these leaves were tested for ACMV and EACMCV in
a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The PCR primers used were designed to amplify
the replicase regions of DNA-A components of both viruses. Most of the cassava plants within the
survey area were either symptomless or showed mild symptoms. ACMV was detected in 16% of
cassava leaves from Edo State but not in any of the cassava leaves from the other three states. One
weed sample each from Edo State (5.56%) and Ondo State (10%) were also positive for ACMV. EACMCV
was not detected in any of the samples tested. The low virus occurrence observed from PCR results
and the observed low incidence of the CMD characteristic mosaic symptoms on cassava leaves in the
states sampled may be attributed to the use of CMD resistant or tolerant cassava varieties, and may be
a result of the massive distribution of virus resistant cassava cuttings to these States by the
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
Keywords
QH301 Biology