Incidence of Maize Streak Virus (MSV) in the Sudanian and Sudano Sahelian Zone of Burkina Faso

Abstract

Maize streak virus (MSV, genus Mastrevirus ) disease, which causes significant yield losses, poses a threat to maize cultivation in Burkina Faso. The objective of this work is to determine the status of streak disease in the two main maize production zones (Sudanian and Sudano-Sahelian zones) of Burkina Faso. To this end, a phytosanitary survey was conducted in maize farms during the rainy seasons from 2020 to 2024. The incidence and severity were initially determined at 4 experimental sites where 12 varieties were evaluated, and subsequently in 100 maize fields, with 50 fields per agro-ecological zone. In each field, six survey squares, each measuring 100 square meters, were established. Four of these squares were positioned at the corners, while two were placed internally. If the field contained trees, additional squares were positioned beneath a maximum of five trees in each field. The results indicate a very low incidence of the stripe, ranging from 0.47% to 1.41% across the 12 tested varieties and the 4 experimental sites. In the Sudanian zone, the incidence and severity of MSV recorded were higher (53.38% and 4.05%, respectively) compared to those observed in the Sudanese-Sahelian zone (11.61% and 2.98%, respectively). The incidence and severity of MSV recorded under the trees in the fields were also higher (52.55% and 3.98%, respectively) compared to those observed in open areas (12.41% and 3.05%, respectively). These preliminary results provide baseline information that can be utilized for the development of control strategies against the disease.