Studies on Maize streak virus and Maize mottle/chlorotic stunt virus in Lagos, Nigeria

Despite the development and deployment of maize streak-resistant (SR) germ plasm, virus-induced symptoms are still commonly observed on maize in Lagos, Nigeria. Therefore, surveys were conducted between April 2001 and February 2002 to determine the identity, prevalence, and incidence of maize viruses in 18 local government areas (LGAs) in and around Lagos by visual examination and serodiagnostic screening of symptomatic plants. All 112 fields surveyed during the dry season (September to December) and 18 fields surveyed during the late dry season (December to February) had plants infected by Maize streak virus (MSV), whereas 97.1% of the 170 fields surveyed during the wet season (April to August) had plants infected by MSV. Maize mottle/chlorotic stunt virus (MMCSV) was prevalent in 99.1, 88.9, and 67.4% of the fields surveyed during the dry, late dry, and wet seasons, respectively. The incidence of MSV was higher in 16 of the LGAs. The highest incidence of MSV was 18.9%, whereas that of MMCSV was 7.4%. Serodiagnostic screening of leaf samples showing virus-induced symptoms, using antigen-coated plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indicated that 1,192/1,475 (80.8%) and 949/1,210 (78.4%) of the samples were positive for MSV and MMCSV, respectively. Vector transmission and host range studies confirmed the identity of the viruses. The results confirm the presence of MSV and MMCSV in Lagos and suggest that the use of MSV-susceptible cultivars is still widespread. Methods of ensuring effective utilization of existing SR germ plasm and controlling maize viruses in general are discussed.