Abstract:
Sugarcane cultivation is hindered by several biotic constraints of which viral disease plays a
major disaster. This study was carried out to evaluate the virus disease situation of sugarcane
germplasm in western Cameroon, consisting of three regions (Southwest, Northwest and West
region). A survey was carried out in 66 villages in these regions. Landraces identified included
SMU58, SBK36, SNC16, NBfPc48 and NBfAg53. Representative samples of the landraces were
collected and grown in an experimental field in the Department of Plant Science, University of
Buea. Canes were observed for virus disease symptoms eleven months after planting. Single leaf
samples of the symptomatic plants were collected from 10 randomly selected plants constituted a
batch sample. A total of 66 and 15 batch samples collected from the field and experimental plot
respectively were tested for the detection of Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) and Maize Streak
Virus (MSV) by direct Double Antibody Sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELISA). Of the 66 composite
samples tested for SCMV and MSV, 54 samples tested positive for at least one virus. Maize
streak virus was the most prevalent, with an incidence of 11.25%. Mixed infection was also
recorded. Sugarcane in western Cameroon is infected with some virus diseases though the
prevalence is low. This is a course of concern. |
