Cicadulina species and maize streak virus in Ethiopia

Abstract

A preliminary survey was made in the most important maize‐growing regions of Ethiopia to record the species of Cicadulina present, their distribution and abundance. Five species of Cicadulina were found, including two not previously reported from Ethiopia. The maize strain of maize streak geminivirus (MSV) occurred predominantly between 450 and 1800 m above sea level, which coincides with the altitudinal range of C. mbila implicating this species as the principal vector of MSV in Ethiopia. The maize strain isolate was indistinguishable from others from elsewhere in Africa.

Keywords:

• Maize
• cicdulina
• geminivirus
• Ethiopia