Maize streak virus (MSV) diversity in Uganda and the assessment of gene silencing as a tool for development of resistance to MSV
Doctoral Thesis
2008
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Maize streak virus (MSV: Family Geminiviridae, Genus Mastrevirus) is the causal agent of maize streak disease (MSD) that contributes significantly to low maize yields in Africa, thereby threatening food security of sub-Saharan Africa’s poorest people. In Uganda, MSD has been identified as one of the most important constraints to maize production. In order to have a better understanding of the disease in that country, this thesis set out to establish MSD levels in farmers’ fields; develop a new sampling and virus isolation method; assess the diversity of MSVs throughout Uganda; and, through the cloning of sampled virus genomes, to determine the genetic characteristics of different isolates. In addition, this study also included an assessment of RNA silencing as a resistance strategy against MSV.
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Includes abstract.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 158-197).
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Owor, B. 2008. Maize streak virus (MSV) diversity in Uganda and the assessment of gene silencing as a tool for development of resistance to MSV. University of Cape Town.