Sugarcane Mosaic Virus in Kenya

Abstract

Surveys revealed the virus in maize in 20 districts of the 34 surveyed and only in the western plateaux, Central Highlands and Rift Valley. High incidence occurred in Nyanza (15.2%), Rift Valley (15.8%) and Western (19.6%) provinces. The virus was not found on the Coast or Nairobi provinces. Incidence was higher in late-planted than earlier-planted maize. It was also newly reported naturally infecting 9 grass spp, including Cynodon dactylon. Distribution in maize appeared to be related to the distribution of inoculum sources, periodicity of disease development to vector populations. Maize streak and maize mosaic viruses were most often found in the Central and Coast provinces.