TITLE:
Molecular Identification of Maize Streak Virus in Côte d’Ivoire
AUTHORS:
Guinagui N’Doua Bertrand, Koala Moustapha, Yéo Gnénakan, Tuo Seydou, Ouattara Bakary, Ouattara Bognan Winnie Miyasi, Sérémé Drissa, Koné Daouda, Fatogoma Sorho
KEYWORDS:
Characterization, Molecular Biology, MSV, Maize, Côte d’Ivoire
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.16 No.1,
January
15,
2025
ABSTRACT: Maize (Zea mays L.) is the world’s leading cereal crop, with production estimated at over 1 billion tonnes in 2022. In Côte d’Ivoire, maize is one of the most widely consumed foods, with national production exceeding 1 million tonnes in 2022. Despite its importance, this crop is subject to numerous biotic constraints, including Maize streak virus (MSV). The objective of this study was to characterize MSV isolates from Côte d’Ivoire using molecular biology techniques. To achieve this, maize leaf samples displaying characteristic symptoms of MSV were collected from different agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Côte d’Ivoire. Total DNA was extracted from the collected samples using the CTAB method and quantified with a Nanodrop spectrophotometer. The C2 region of the MSV genome’s open reading frame (ORF) was amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using MSV-specific primers. The resulting PCR products were sequenced using the Sanger method. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using MSV sequences from other African countries (retrieved from NCBI) alongside sequences obtained in this study. The analysis was conducted using MEGA X version 10.05 software. The results showed that the main symptoms observed in the field included the presence of longitudinal light green streaks on leaves, stunted plant growth, and incomplete seed development in infected plants. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences from Côte d’Ivoire revealed three monophyletic groups, with sequences of some isolates collected from the same plot belonging to different groups. The MSV sequences from Côte d’Ivoire are very close to those from Rwanda. This study underscores the need for further investigation into the genetic diversity of MSV strains to enhance the diagnosis and management of this viral disease, which is particularly prevalent in maize crops in Côte d’Ivoire.