Prevalence of Viruses Infecting Sorghum in Nigeria-A Review

Abstract

Viruses infecting sorghum are widely distributed in Asia and Africa and are of economic importance. In recent years, apparent virus disease incidence has increased, probably due to changes in agricultural practices associated with the introduction of hybrids and new varieties that are being developed and released continuously. The first virus disease described on sorghum in the world was Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV). Nigeria is one of the leading sorghum producing countries in the world and most of its populace in the northern part depend on sorghum as their primary staple food and so far, seven viruses have been identified on sorghum in Nigeria: Maize mosaic virus (MMV), Maize stripe virus (MSpV), Maize streak virus (MSV), Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), Guinea grass mosaic virus (GGMV), Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV) and Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV). This calls for proper molecular characterization and deployment of management strategies of the diseases the viruses incite. Future research needs are discussed.

Incidence of Plant Viral Disease Symptoms and Their Transmission Agents in Dutsin-Ma Metropolis

“…Thrips and whiteflies were also found to be associated with diseased cowpea plants this is consistent with the reports of [28] that whiteflies are vectors of cowpea mosaic virus and is also supported by the reports of several authors [29,30]. Aphids and leafhoppers were also found in association with diseased maize plants agreeing favourably with the reports of several authors [31,32] who both reported that Aphids and Leafhoppers are vectors of maize mosaic disease. [33] reported that the main vectors of the okra mosaic virus were Aphids and whiteflies, these two arthropods were also found to be associated with the diseased okra plants sampled in this research.…”