Viruses affecting African crops and their vectors

James P. Legg, IITA, Tanzania; P. Lava Kumar, IITA, Nigeria; George Mahuku, IITA, Tanzania; Everlyne Wosula, IITA, Tanzania; Livia Stavolone, IITA, Nigeria; Eugene Terry, New Markets Lab, USA; and Nilsa Bosque-Pérez, University of Idaho, USA

Chapter synopsis: Plant viruses are one of the major constraints to crop production in Africa. Consequently, research into understanding and managing viruses has been a major theme of IITA’s work over its 50-year history. This chapter reviews the progress made in characterizing the major viruses affecting bananas, cassava, maize, cowpeas, soybeans and yams, and in developing management options. The viruses covered include cassava mosaic and cassava brown streak diseases, maize streak disease, maize lethal necrosis and banana bunchy top disease. The chapter identifies virus vectors and discusses emerging techniques and future perspectives for plant virus management in Africa. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future research trends in this area.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2018.0043.05