Status and pre-emptive management strategies of maize lethal necrosis disease in Nigeria

Abstract

Maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND) caused by mixed infections of Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) is currently the greatest threat to maize productivity in East African countries. Maize is a major cereal crop in Nigeria but there is no information on the status of MLND in the country. To ascertain this, a survey of maize viruses was conducted in selected States (Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Kano, and Katsina) in May and August 2017. A total of 108 maize leaves sampled from maize farms were tested serologically for MCMV, MDMV and SCMV using Antigen Coated Plate-Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ACP-ELISA). All the samples reacted negatively with MCMV, MDMV and Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) antibodies, whereas 41 samples (38 %) exhibited strong positive reaction with Maize streak virus (MSV) antibody. The incidence of MSV disease was highest (51.2 %) in Kano, followed by Katsina (34.1 %), whereas the lowest incidence was found in Akwa Ibom and Cross River, with about 7.3 % each. This study showed that MLND is not yet in the study area. However, there is a need for continuous survey and surveillance, and pre-emptive breeding for maize germplasms that are resistant to MLND. In addition, farmers and the general public should adhere to preventive strategies in order to prevent severe yield losses.