Phenotypic and molecular screening for resistance in elite cassava clones against cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) in Kenya
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Cassava production in East Africa is severely constrained by viral diseases, particularly Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), which can cause yield losses of up to 100%. This study evaluated the response of elite cassava clones to CBSD under high natural disease pressure to identify superior genotypes for breeding. Five elite genotypes (08/363, F10-30-R2, Nl, Tajirika, and Ex-Mariakani), a susceptible check (Kibanda Meno), and a local control (Shibe) were grown at KALRO-Mtwapa. Whitefly vector (Bemisia tabaci) populations and CBSD incidence were monitored at 3, 6, and 9 months after planting. Disease severity, incidence, and Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) analyses were used to assess infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic samples. CBSD incidence exceeded 70% in Kibanda Meno but was lowest in Shibe and Tajirika. Mean disease severity was highest in Kibanda Meno (>1.5). RT-PCR confirmed the presence of CBSD in both symptomatic and asymptomatic plants, with a positive correlation between whitefly abundance and disease incidence. Clones 08/363 and F10-30-R2 exhibited low disease severity and infection rates, indicating superior tolerance to CBSD, whereas Kibanda Meno and Ex-Mariakani were highly susceptible. These findings suggest that 08/363 and F10-30-R2 are promising candidates for CBSD management and resistance breeding. Their deployment could enhance cassava resilience, safeguard yields, and strengthen food security in regions affected by the disease.
Language: English
Topic: Plant Virus Research Studies
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7117479222