Perception of Mealybug Wilt Effect and Management among Pineapple Farmers in Ghana

Abstract

Mealybug wilt of pineapple (MWP) is a major viral disease of pineapple [Ananas comosus (L) Merr.]

First report of Pineapple mealybug wilt‐associated virus‐1 and ‐3 in Ghanaian pineapple

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of the PMWaV-1 and PMWaV-3 in Ghanaian pineapple fields as well as in Africa. MWP is widely spread in Ghana (Sarpong et al, 2017) and both viruses could be prevalent in Ghanaian pineapple fields. This supports the need to educate and train farmers on proper procedures for propagating pineapple materials from disease-free sources to reduce the impact and control spread of MWP disease on pineapple crops in Ghana.…”

“…Mealybug wilt of pineapple (MWP) is a destructive viral‐associated disease affecting pineapple ( Ananas comosus ) production in many growing regions worldwide, including Ghana (Sarpong et al ., 2017; Dey et al , 2018). In Hawaii, MWP causes reduction in fruit yield by 30‐55%, depending on the age of the plant at the onset of disease (Sether & Hu, 2002).…”

Molecular characterisation of ampeloviruses associated with mealybug wilt of pineapple disease in Ghana

“…Mealybug wilt of pineapple (MWP) is a destructive viral disease that affects pineapple production in many growing regions worldwide including Ghana [6,7]. In Ghana, fruit yield loss due to MWP attack has been estimated at about US$ 248.00 per hectare [7].…”

“…Mealybug wilt of pineapple (MWP) is a destructive viral disease that affects pineapple production in many growing regions worldwide including Ghana [6,7]. In Ghana, fruit yield loss due to MWP attack has been estimated at about US$ 248.00 per hectare [7]. Elsewhere in Hawaii, MWP has been reported to cause reduction in fruit yield by 30-55%, depending on the age of the plant at the onset of the disease [8].…”

First report of Pineapple mealybug wilt associated virus‐2 infecting pineapple in Ghana

“…Mixed infections can result in recombination of viral species leading to the generation of variants showing novel genetic features, which may cause severe damage to crops (Syller, 2012). MWP has been reported to be highly prevalent in pineapple fields in Ghana (Sarpong et al, 2017). There is therefore the need to identify an effective strategy to manage the disease in order to ensure the sustainability of the pineapple industry in Ghana.…”