Maize streak disease in Burundi highlands

• Main Authors: Zeigler, RS., Gashaka, W., Kaybig, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux 1985-01-01
• Series: Tropicultura
• Online Access: http://www.tropicultura.org/text/v3n4/130.pdf

In Burundi, beginning in 1982 high incidence of maize streak disease (MSD) was observed in high elevation (1850 m) bottomland maize planted during the dry season. In 1983 high levels of MSD were observed in high elevation upland maize as well. MSD has not previously been a problem in highland maize in Burundi. Cicadulina spp. collected from MSD-affected fields were predominantly C. storeyi with C. mbila poorly represented. Ten percent of wild populations were active vectors, while 17 % were capable transmitting the virus. MSD-resistant material from UT A was tested at 830 m and 2050 m and found to be resistant at both sites, but poorly adapted to the high elevation environment. Increasing wheat culture in the highlands may explain the increasing importance of MSD.