Maize Streak Virus: diversity and virulence

Doctoral Thesis

2000

Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Supervisors
Journal Title
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Publisher

University of Cape Town

License
Series
Abstract
Zea mays was first introduced to Africa in Ghana by Portuguese traders in the 16th century. The steady spread of maize cultivation since then has made it the most important cereal crop in Africa today. Whereas improved maize genotypes and agricultural techniques enable yearly yields above 10 tons hectare-1 in the developed world, yearly yields across Africa have remained low at about 1 ton hectare-1 in most countries. Although outmoded agricultural practices are the main reason for poor yields, maize pathogens inflict substantial additional losses. Of the many pathogens currently confronting maize farmers in Africa, Maize streak virus (MSV) is the most significant.
Description

Reference:

Collections