Cereals
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Browsing Cereals by Author "Claflin, L.E."
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Item Survey of Plant Disease in Kenya with Special Attention to the Incidence of Maize Streak, July 14 to Sep 4 1989(Ministry of Agriculture, 1989) Ministry of Agriculture; Claflin, L.E.; Ministry of AgricultureMaize streak disease poses a very grave threat to production of maize in Kenya. In fact, vast hectares around the National Research Center at Muguga including the Wangige, Banana (town), Kanunga, and Kiambu areas will not be harvested due to maize streak. Yields will be greatly reduced in other fields that were infected later in the growing season. This disease was present in nearly 20% of the plants. examined in the lowlands (Mtwapa), 15-20% incidence in the Embu region, and relatively low (5-10%) in the arid region (Katumani). Maize streak was most prevalent in the higher altitudes as the Muguga region and the vicinity around the tea growing area of Kamweti (Kirinyaga District) will be seriously affected. In the past, the higher altitudes were minimally affected with this disease. Perhaps this change is attributable to 1. a different genus or species of vector that is more adaptable to these areas; 2. a different strain of the virus which is more aggressive; 3. the widespread plantings of napier grass which is used for forage and, also may be a host for the vectors and virus during the year when maize is not growing. In addition, the germ plasm utilized by farmers possesses limited or no tolerance to either the vectors and/or virus. Maize is commonly grown in some areas throughout the year which ensures an everpresent population of vectors and virus. Maize streak is a difficult disease to study due to the complexity of the interaction between virus and vector. As maize streak occurs throughout Africa, it is imperative that KARI personnel plan and implement cooperative projects with scientists from other countries and the International Centers. Initially, KARI maize breeders, entomologists, and plant pathologists should establish contacts and visit ongoing maize streak research at one or all of the following: CIMMYT in Harare, Zimbabwe; IITA in Ibaden, Nigeria; and, ICIPE in Lusaka, Zambia. Establishment of cooperative projects would avoid duplication of research efforts and allow a free exchange of ideas and germplasm.
