Challenges of Cassava Mosaic Begomoviruses, Cassava Brown Streak Ipomoviruses and Satellites to Cassava Production

Abstract

Cassava is an important food security and industrial crop. Its production is constrained by viral diseases such as cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), caused by cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs) and ipomoviruses, respectively. In recent years, CMBs have been associated with satellite DNAs. Food security status of cassava coupled with high demand for cassava as feed and industrial uses has been the driving force for scientists and the research community in Africa and beyond. In this review, cassava production, uses of cassava, production constraints, begomoviruses, satellite DNAs, Bemisia tabaci, cassava mosaic disease (CMD), Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV), current and future efforts in cassava production and research are discussed. This was done in an effort to create a knowledge pool that can promote cassava food security status and mitigate disease and yield loss.