PLANT VIRAL DISEASES – THE AFRICAN CASSAVA MOSAIC VIRUS

1. SYNOPSIS

The goal of this field lab research is to investigate the effect of the African Cassava
Mosaic Virus on indigenous plants. This is in order to draw conclusions on the gravity
of the virus attack and possible control measures that can be taken into consideration.
1.1 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

 Interaction with field owners on the impact the virus has had on their
produce.
 Find out the local control methods taken and success rate.
 Propagation methods used when planting the cassava.
 Identify the possibility of the plants being infected with the virus
 Find out approved scientific methods used to combat the virus.
 Isolate the vector of the virus.
 Identify the mosaic pattern on various plants.

2. INTRODUCTION

The African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV) belonging to the genus Begomovirus and
family Geminiviridae has recently been identified to be a major factor in the decrease
of global production of Cassava (Manihont esculenta Crantz), of which 50% (fifty per
cent) comes from Africa. It is transmitted by a vector known as the Whitefly or Bemisia
tabaci and causes a viral disease called Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) which
affects the leaves of the cassava plant (leaf distortion and chlorotic mosaic) and
subsequently, its tubers. The disease has no cure but can be avoided.

Figure 2.0 Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) on a cassava leaf. Courtesy of Wikipedia

The virus was first reported in 1894 in East Africa by Warbug and is among the nine
species of cassava infecting Geminiviruses. Genetically, its genome is made up of
circular stranded DNA, of which they are two types; DNA A and DNA B.

This field research was taken on a local scale, and hence will be more concerned with
the consequence of this virus on the food security and economy of small scale
resident farmers. It also looks at the different prevention techniques used by the local
farmers to obliterate the disease.
3. EQUIPMENT FOR FIELD WORK
 Pieces of paper
 Pens/Pencils
 Camera capable Cell phone
 Voice Recorder

4. STUDY AREA

The study area where the research was carried out is located at The Copperbelt
University, Riverside Campus, in Kitwe, Zambia. Specifically, the research area was
the University’s staff compound behind the School of Mathematics and Natural
Sciences. The area in discussion is depicted herein:

Figure 4.0 Google street map of research area Figure 4.1 Google satellite map of the research area.

Courtesy of Google maps

Figure 4.2 Extended aerial view of study site. Courtesy of Google Maps
5. DATA COLLECTION AND METHODOLOGY
Data was collected through personal interviews, discussions with local residents, and
on assessment. Most of the residents are Bemba speaking people and hence most
interviews were done in the local language Bemba.

Figure 5.0 Interviewing one of the residents in her garden.

Findings

House #1

 The field owner preferred to remain anonymous.

 The cassava at the first house visited was grown circa three (3) years ago.
 Owner had no idea on the cause of the virus
 The quality of plants was bad where the infected plant had stunted growth.
 Noticed the discoloration of the leaves, a sign of infection usually occurred
during the rainy season
 No chemicals were used on the plants, but the stems of the infected were cut
and later replanted.
 Out of 35 Cassava plants, 26 were infected and 9 healthy

Figure 5.1 Infected plants from the first house

House #2
 The group was guided by Mr. Patrick whose plants showed no signs of being
healthy.
 The cassava was planted approximately four years ago.
 Mr. Patrick had no idea on the causal agent of the disease.
 The disease was most noticeable in the rainy season.
  No chemicals where used by this household but the cutting method was used
to prevent the virus from spreading.
 Mr. Patrick noticed the tubers of the infected plants taste bitter and at most
times have a brown root-like streak at the core.
 The low cassava yield was not according to expectations.
 The surroundings around the field didn’t look healthy. The plants were crowded.
 Out of the 52 plants, only 11 plants were healthy.

Figure 5.2. Mr Patrick’s infected cassava plants. Figure 5.3. A pose with Mr Patrick

House #3

 The group was guided by Miss Misolo at the third house.

 The plants were just pruned approximately 2-3 weeks before the group visited
the house.
 Pruning was a way of starting the plant growth afresh.
 Miss Misolo suggested the virus causes the hardness of the cassava leaves
when cooked as a relish dish.
 She also suggested that most plants affected by the mosaic disease were
those advanced in age.
 The surroundings look tidy and suitable for healthy plants to thrive.
 Since, the plants were just pruned, there were very few noticeable plants with
the Cassava Mosaic Disease. ( 5 out of 36)
 In absence of rains, the plants are watered manually.

Figure 5.4. With Miss Misolo and her reviving plants Figure 5.5 Miss Misolo’s garden
House #4

 Mr. Paul, the gardener was more than welcome to show the group around his
burgeoning garden, (he was watering the garden when the group arrived).
 The plants at this house were mostly healthy and the surroundings very clean.
 Full of knowledge about the produce, Mr. Paul mentioned he waters his garden
3 times a week.
 The plant was planted approximately 2 years ago, and three months later the
virus was noticed (during the rainy season).
 Quick to act, Mr. Paul explained he uses different methods to combat the
Mosaic Disease
 The methods include pruning and re-planting, spraying the plants with a mixture
of washing detergent powder (locally known as Boom) and water, and using
scientifically approved chemical pesticides.
 The plants sprayed are not eaten until the smell of the chemicals has lessened.
 Suspected “snails” to be the vectors of the disease.
 The infected tubers taste bitter and some have a brown streak/line at the core.
 Out of 28 plants, only 2 were infected.

Figure 5.6 Mr Paul’s Cassava plants. Figure 5.7 Mr. Paul showing the group one of his infected plants

Figure 5.8 With Mr Paul’s prized possession, the ‘CROPICA’ pesticide.

House #5