STM Article Repository

This work explores the incidence of plant viral disease symptoms as well as their transmission agents in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area Katsina State, Nigeria. The studied diseased plants were identified while diseases were based on visual inspection using characteristic symptoms. Organisms associated with such symptoms were collected by handpicking, shacking/beating and tissue teasing methods. Identification was done using a standard voucher. Incidence of plants with viral symptoms was determined by plant disease index method. Chi square analysis was used to ascertain significant differences (P≥ 0.05) of plants showing viral symptoms. Results shows that plants with viral symptoms included Amaranthus sp. (Amaranthus), Vigna unguiculata (cowpea), Zea mays (maize), Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), Carica papaya (pawpaw) and Capsicum sp (pepper). Studies also reveal Myzus persicae (aphids), Frankinella occidentalis (thrips), Bemisa tabaci (whitefly), Peregrinus maydis (leafhoppers) and Pseudococcidae (mealy bugs) as organisms associated with diseased plants with viral symptoms. Disease index showed Amaranthus spp. 63%, Vigna unguiculata 84%, Zea mays 73%, Abelmoschus esculentus, Carica papaya and Capsicum spp. 100%. Incidence rate varied significantly (P≥ 0.05) in the various locations surveyed. Further studies need to be carried out to identify the individual viruses.