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Sugarcane cultivation is hindered by several biotic constraints of which viral disease plays a major disaster. This study was carried out to evaluate the virus disease situation of sugarcane germplasm in western Cameroon, consisting of three regions (Southwest, Northwest and West region). A survey was carried out in 66 villages in these regions. Landraces identified included SMU58, SBK36, SNC16, NBfPc48 and NBfAg53. Representative samples of the landraces were collected and grown in an experimental field in the Department of Plant Science, University of Buea. Canes were observed for virus disease symptoms eleven months after planting. Single leaf samples of the symptomatic plants were collected from 10 randomly selected plants constituted a batch sample. A total of 66 and 15 batch samples collected from the field and experimental plot respectively were tested for the detection of Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) and Maize Streak Virus (MSV) by direct Double Antibody Sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELISA). Of the 66 composite samples tested for SCMV and MSV, 54 samples tested positive for at least one virus. Maize streak virus was the most prevalent, with an incidence of 11.25%. Mixed infection was also recorded. Sugarcane in western Cameroon is infected with some virus diseases though the prevalence is low. This is a course of concern.

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Sugarcane is losing its diversity owing to the many uses including biofuel production and genetic erosion. This study was carried out to collect sugarcane germplasm in Western Cameroon and to identify their uses and possible genetic erosion. Information was gathered from selected villages in two agro-ecological zones in Western Cameroon. The data were gathered through questionnaire, interviews and group discussion with pre-identified informants in the study area. Field trips were made to sugarcane fields to observe sugarcane landraces. A total of 290 questionnaires were distributed out to 203 males and 87 females of diverse age groups between 20 and 70 years. Majority of the population interviewed (37.9%) were between the age 41 and 50 years. Eighty three percent of the population had attained primary education and were knowledgeable on sugarcane plant. Five sugarcane landraces were identified in the study. The landraces included 'Buea sugarcane', 'Strong canda', 'Strong bark', 'Yellow cane' and 'Bakweri sugarcane'. These canes had varied uses ranging from food to medicine. The highest fidelity value was recorded by 'Buea sugarcane'. There was genetic erosion of this plant due to lack of market, shortage of land, diseases and introduction of improved cash crops. The tendency of the uses of local sugarcanes in this study area point out that sugarcane plays a major role in the lives of the population. To minimize dangers of the emerging uses of sugarcane as biofuel and the threat to genetic erosion, the existing biodiversity needs to be conserved.