Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) in Benin: Incidence, severity and its whitefly abundance from field surveys in 2020

Jerome Anani Houngue; Serge Sètondji Houédjissin; Corneille Ahanhanzo; Justin S Pita; Mélaine S Ella Houndénoukon; Martine Zandjanakou-Tachin

doi:10.1016/j.cropro.2022.106007

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) in Benin: Incidence, severity and its whitefly abundance from field surveys in 2020

Crop Prot. 2022 Aug:158:106007. doi: 10.1016/j.cropro.2022.106007.

Authors

Jerome Anani Houngue¹, Serge Sètondji Houédjissin¹, Corneille Ahanhanzo¹, Justin S Pita², Mélaine S Ella Houndénoukon³, Martine Zandjanakou-Tachin³

Affiliations

¹ Central Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology and Plant Breeding, Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technique, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
² Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE), Pôle Scientifique et d'innovation de Bingerville, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB), Bingerville, Cote d'Ivoire.
³ Laboratory of Molecular Plant Pathology, School of Horticulture and Green Space, National University of Agriculture, Benin.

Abstract

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is the main threat to cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) production in Benin. This study was conducted to assess CMD incidence, disease severity, and adult whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) populations in 11 regions of Benin. A total of 180 cassava fields across the country were assessed during June-December 2020 following the harmonized protocol of the Central and West African Virus Epidemiology program. Based on symptoms observation, CMD was present in all surveyed fields in Ouémé and Alibori regions. The highest disease incidence levels were observed in Malanville (100%), Kpomassè (86.67%), Kandi and Zagnanado (both 81.67%), Ségbanan (80%), and Avrankou (76.67%) districts. The highest mean severity scores were in Couffo (3.68), Mono (3.63), and Atlantique (3.33) regions, while the lowest was in Alibori (2.37). Adult whitefly populations (mean number/plant) were highest in Couffo (15.88) and Mono (13.00) regions and lowest in Donga (0.06). Significant relationships were found between CMD severity and whitefly abundance (P = 0.0010) but there was no significant relationship between whitefly numbers and CMD incidence (P = 0.0577). These findings indicate that CMD has expanded its range across Benin. They also provide a basis for designing a response strategy for the control of cassava virus diseases such as CMD.

Keywords: ACMV, African cassava mosaic virus; Bemisia tabaci; CMD symptoms; CMD, cassava mosaic disease; Cassava mosaic virus; EACMV, East African cassava mosaic virus; Manihot esculenta; Virus vector.