Identification and Distribution of Begomoviruses Infecting Cassava Fields in Sierra Leone

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202502.1141.v1
• Publication Date: 2025-02-17T00:43:36Z
• Authors: Musa Saffa; Alusaine Samura; Mohamed Bah; Angela Eni; Ezechiel Tibiri; Saidou Zongo; William Amoakon; Fidèle Tiendrébéogo; Justin Pita; Prince Norman
• Keywords: Identification

Dearth of knowledge exists on identification the begomoviruses and distribution cassava mosaic viruses across key growing regions Sierra Leone. The objective study was to identify map disease (CMD)-associated in farmers' fields Cassava leaf samples were collected 109 smallholder farms during a geo-referenced survey conducted from 10th May 5th June, 2024. Molecular diagnostics carried out viral strains associated with CMD. Findings revealed that infection by stem cutting more predominant south, east, north northwest than west region; whereas whitefly west, north-west regions. PCR screening 426 coupled sequence analysis presence African mosaic-like (ACMV-like) viruses, East (EACMV-like) as single infections at 78.1% 1.3%, respectively. Co-infections ACMV-like EACMV-like detected 20.6% tested samples. In addition, 70.6% positive for virus (single mixed infections) found be Cameroon (EACMCMV). ACMV co-infection EACMV present all regions, while EACMCV except western area. results indicate EACMCMV variant occurrence may prevalent Leone previously thought. This suggests use good agricultural practices participatory surveillance strategy managing CMD