Cacao swollen shoot virus detection and DNA barcoding of its vectors and putative vectors in Theobroma cacao L. by using polymerase chain reaction.

ABSTRACT: Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV) is an endemic pathogen causing significant economic losses to cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) production in West Africa. There is limited updated report on the occurrence, spread, genetic diversity and species of CSSV and its mealybug vectors, especially in Nigeria. Nigeria is presently lagging behind in the search for resistance to CSSV and its vectors in T. cacao L. The present study aimed to map and screen for the presence of CSSV and its natural vectors - female mealybugs (Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera) in cacao plantations in Nigeria. Symptomatic and asymptomatic cacao leaves and whole female mealybug samples were collected from major cacao-growing areas in Nigeria - Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Ondo and Oyo States. A total of 2568 cacao lea

SUBMITTER: Obok EE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9645568 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature