Survey on incidence and severity of maize streak virus (MSV) in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey study was conducted covering eight villages in Tsanyawa local government area of Kano state, the study evaluated the incidence and severity of Maize streak virus disease and identify the period of time with high incidence of the virus disease Eight villages were randomly selected and three maize farms in each village were visited. Fifteen maize plants with MSV disease symptoms were assessed during the survey. The result showed that Disease incidence ranges from 11.57 to 34.18 % in July with 26.02 to 42.72 % in August. The disease incidence of 35.77 % was recorded in Kwandawa ward during first survey carried out in July and least incidence (11. 88 %) was recorded in Tsanyawa ward. Disease severity on the other hand was mild (1.7) during the first survey. Highest and the least incidence of MSV disease were recorded in August during second survey at same places (Kwandawa and Tsanyawa wards) with 42.72 and 26.02 % respectively, the MSV disease attained severe stage (4.6) in same time of survey. The result showed that there were significant differences in incidence and severity of MSV disease across the study areas. The highest incidence and severity of MSV disease was recorded in August. Therefore is the need for an implementation of some cultural practices and other virus disease control measures for an increase of maize production in the study areas.