Journal of Plant Pathology (2019) 101, 467-477

Patrick Chiza Chikoti, Rabson Mpundu Mulenga, Mathias Tembo and Peter Sseruwagi (2019)
Cassava mosaic disease: a review of a threat to cassava production in Zambia
Journal of Plant Pathology 101 (3), 467-477
Abstract: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the most important root staple crops in Zambia. An estimated 30% of Zambians, over 4 million people, consume cassava as part of their daily diet. Cassava is mostly grown by subsistence farmers on fields of less than 1 ha. Cultivation of cassava is hampered by several biotic constraints, of which cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is currently the most important factor limiting cassava production in Zambia. CMD occurs in all the cassava-growing provinces and accounts for 50% to 70% of yield losses countrywide. Strategies to counter CMD were initiated in the early 1990s and included the release of CMD-resistant cassava cultivars. However, efforts to control CMD are limited because few growers plant these cultivars. More recently, to address the CMD problem, regular disease monitoring and diagnostic capabilities have been strengthened, and there is increased support for screening breeders materials. CMD is a rising threat to cassava production in Zambia. This review of CMD research on disease surveillance, CMD spread, yield losses, awareness campaigns and control options in Zambia over the past 25 years informs future control efforts and management strategies.
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Database assignments for author(s): Peter Sseruwagi

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
review

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	African cassava mosaic virus	Cassava (Manihot esculenta)	Zambia
	East African cassava mosaic virus	Cassava (Manihot esculenta)	Zambia