Survey and Serological Identification of Viruses Infecting Maize Production in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The study was designed to survey the agro-ecological zones of the state where maize is cultivated and identify the viruses constituting a constraint to its production. Place and duration of study: Cross River State in the south-south zone of Nigeria. A study was conducted between April and June, 2022. Methodology: A total of 102 symptomatic samples were collected from 18 locations in 9 local government areas of Cross River State to determine the disease incidence of the virus and ACP-ELISA was used for serological identification of the virus. Results: Out of the 102 samples collected, none reacted positively with either the Maize chlorotic mosaic virus (MCMV) or the Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) antiserum. However, 62 of the samples reacted positively to the Maize streak virus (MSV) representing 60.8 % of the collected samples. Disease incidence of the virus was highest in the Odukpani local government area with 71 % followed by Akpabuyo local government area with 69.2 % while Bekwarra local government recorded the lowest disease incidence with 30 %. With a moderate incidence of the virus recorded, there is a need for constant surveillance and farmer education to forestall an epidemic that may occur. Conclusion: MSV was found to infect the crop in all three agro-ecological zones however both southern and central agro-ecological zones recorded higher disease incidence than the northern zone.