Cassava mosaic Burkina Faso

The causative agent of the disease is Begomovirus manihotisburkinafasoense, a single-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Geminiviridae family. It is a systemic viral infection that disrupts the plant's vascular system, severely impacting physiological processes, including nutrient translocation and leaf photosynthetic capacity.

The primary host for this pathogen is cassava (Manihot esculenta). This disease is particularly prevalent in West Africa, where cassava acts as a staple food crop. The impact of this virus on agricultural yield makes it a significant concern for food security in the region.

Symptoms of the infection include chlorotic mosaic patterns, leaf distortion, curling, and a drastic reduction in leaf size. Infected plants exhibit severe stunting and shortened internodes, leading to a bushy appearance and a substantial reduction in the production of starchy storage roots.

Transmission of the virus occurs primarily through two mechanisms: the use of infected cuttings for vegetative propagation and by the whitefly vector Bemisia tabaci. The whiteflies acquire the virus while feeding on infected sap and transmit it to healthy cassava plants during subsequent feeding sessions.

The economic impact of this virus is significant, as infections can lead to yield losses exceeding 70-90% in susceptible fields. To effectively manage and mitigate the spread of this disease, agriculturalists should implement the following protocols:

• Use only certified, virus-free planting material for propagation.
• Promote the cultivation of virus-resistant and tolerant cassava varieties.
• Implement integrated pest management (IPM) to control Bemisia tabaci populations.
• Rogueing or removing infected plants promptly to reduce the primary inoculum source.