Identification and Characterization of Cassava Mosaic Begomoviruses in Non-crop Plants from Unguja and Pemba Islands

Abstract

Cassava mosaic disease caused by cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs) remains one of the
major constraints to cassava production since it causes yield losses up to 100%. Researches
showed that some of CMBs infecting cassava plants may be coming from non-crop plants. This
study intended to identify and characterize CMBs isolated from non-crop plant species in
Unguja and Pemba Islands. A total of 108 viral symptomatic and asymptomatic non-crop leaf
samples were collected using stratified sampling. DNA was extracted by using CTAB protocol
followed by polymerase chain reaction using universal and specific primers for cassava mosaic
begomoviruses identification. Results showed that, among eleven samples that were amplified,
four were African cassava mosaic viruses (ACMV) and seven were East African cassava
mosaic viruses (EACMV). DNA sequencing by Sanger method showed 97–99% similarities
with isolates of ACMV and EACMV reported elsewhere in Africa. Using RbcL and MatK plant
barcode genes, Datura stramonium, Solanum melongena and Solanum incanum were found
associated with ACMV, while Senna occidentalis, Sida acuta and Ricinus communis harboured
EACMV. These findings are a key in understanding the epidemiology of cassava mosaic
disease and are potential in the development of sustainable management strategies for this
disease.
Keywords: Begomoviruses, Cassava mosaic disease, East African cassava mosaic virus, Non
crop plants.

Keywords: Begomoviruses, Cassava mosaic disease, East African cassava mosaic virus, Non
crop plants.