First record of the occurrence of cassava mosaic begomovirus-associated satellites on cassava in Ghana

Abstract

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD), arguably the most important viral disease of cassava, an important food security crop has in recent times been reported to be associated with satellites in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the status of cassava mosaic begomovirus and associated satellites in CMD-affected cassava plants in Ghana using species specific primers in polymerase chain reaction. In all, 110 CMD-affected cassava leaf samples were collected along some selected routes in the southern parts of the Country. Africa cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) was detected in 107 (97%) cassava leaf samples, out of which 74 (69 %) was in mixed infections East Africa cassava mosaic virus-Cameroon (EACMV-CM). EACMV (CM) alone was detected in 3 (3%) cassava leaf samples. Out of the 110 cassava leaf samples affected by cassava mosaic begomoviruses, satIII was present in 73 (66%) of the cassava leaf samples whereas 47 (43%) sample tested positive for satII. Detection of CMB-associated satellites in Ghana is to the best of our knowledge the first in the country and possibly in West Africa, and has serious epidemiological implications on the management of CMD therefore requiring further studies and concerted efforts to safeguard cassava production