Transmission and distribution of cassava brown streak virus disease in cassava growing areas of Kenya
Date
2009Author
Mware, B.O.
Ateka, E.M.
Songa, J.M.
Narla, R.D.
Olubayo, F
Amata, R.
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Objectives: To determine the incidence and distribution of cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) in relation
to Bemisia tabaci populations in Central, Eastern, Nyanza and Western provinces of Kenya and investigate
the ability of 4 cassava pests to transmit cassava brown streak virus (CBSV).
Methodology and results: A multistage sampling survey was conducted from November 2006 to April 2007
to determine CBSD incidence and distribution in relation to B. tabaci populations in major non-coastal
cassava growing areas of Kenya. In a separate study, adults of test insects were allowed 48 hours
acquisition feeding period on CBSV infected cassava plants in cages before being transferred to uninfected
plants. CBSD was present at high incidences in western Kenya (38-93%) but was not detected in Central
and Eastern provinces. Large B. tabaci populations observed in western Kenya were significantly and
positively correlated to CBSD incidence indicating a considerable contribution of the whiteflies to the spread
of CBSD. Transmission of CBSV by B. tabaci occurred at 27.8%, a confirmation and additional evidence
that this whitefly species is a vector of CBSV.
Conclusion and application: This report provides evidence that CBSD is no longer restricted in distribution
to the coastal lowlands of Kenya. The study further confirms that CBSD is spread by B. tabaci and
therefore its control should be included in the overall management of CBSD. These findings increase the
understanding of CBSD epidemiology.
Citation
Journal of Applied Biosciences 2009, 16: 864-870Publisher
Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi
Description
Journal article