Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) screening facility, Naivasha: phytosanitary guidelines for MLN quarantine and screening site

Abstract

The Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV) continues to pose serious challenges in eastern Africa despite its long existence in other parts of the world. The virus is transmitted by insect vectors incliding aphids, thrips and beetles. It also spreads through seed and mechanical means. Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) is as a result of synergistic interaction between a virus belonging to the potyviridea (such as Sugarcane Mosaic Virus - SCMV, Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus - MDMV or Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus - WSMV), and MCMV, a virus belonging to the tombusviridae. First reported in Kenya in September 2011, MCMV combined with SCMV has devasted maize farming and production in eastern Africa countries - Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. In Kenya, the disease symptoms were consistently observed in several maize growing areas.