Incidence and Severity of Maize Streak Virus Disease on Maize (Zea mays L.) in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Maize is one of the world’s most productive cereal crops and plays a vital role in meeting global food demand. This study investigated the incidence and severity of Maize Streak Virus Disease (MSVD) across five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kano State—Garum Mallam, Kura, Dawakin Kudu, Madobi, and Tudun Wada—during the dry and rainy seasons of 2018 (April and August). Field assessments were conducted in farmers’ fields using diagonal (X-pattern) sampling based on the West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) survey protocol. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic plants were evaluated, and data on disease incidence and severity were processed using Microsoft Excel and illustrated with bar charts. Results revealed a marked difference in MSVD incidence between the two seasons. Incidence in Garum Mallam was 21.7% (dry season) and 64.2% (rainy season); Tudun Wada, 21.2% and 63.5%; Kura, 15.5% and 62.0%; Madobi, 15.6% and 61.6%; and Dawakin Kudu, 10.7% and 70.5%, respectively. Disease severity was low during the dry season but increased to moderate levels in the rainy season.This study provides a baseline understanding of MSVD distribution in selected LGAs of Kano State. The findings are valuable to virologists, entomologists, and agricultural stakeholders, and can guide the development of effective management strategies to enhance maize productivity in the state.