AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF CASSAVA MOSAIC DISEASE AND WHITEFLY (Bemisia tabaci) ABUNDSNCE ON CASSAVA (Manihot esculenta Cranz) LANDRACES IN ALIERO, KEBBI STATE

Cassava is an important root crop grown in tropical and subtropical regions. The crop is
considered as potential solution to food crisis in Nigeria and Africa. A field experiment was
carried out during 2022/2023 rainy season at the premises of Screen House of Abdullahi Fodio
University of Science and Technology, Aliero to screen Cassava landraces for resistance to
Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and whitefly abundance in Aliero. Diseased-free cassava
cuttings were sourced from Northwest and Northeast Nigeria. The cassava stems were preserved
in a jute bag during the collection. The treatment consisted of nine (9) Cassava landraces (Dan
Ware, Dan Gwamnati, Jan Rogo, Barunje, Dan Obasanjo, Dan Ajafa, Bahaushe, Bakin Iri and
TMS 0505 (Control). The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design
(RCBD) with three replications. Stem cuttings were dipped in a pre-formulated insecticide
(Perfect Killer (2ml/ltr)), transplanted and maintained in well-prepared ridges at the spacing of
0.5 m x 1 m while 1m was left between each Block. CMD infested (inoculum) cuttings were
transplanted across the ridges for transmission. Data were collected on Sprout count, incidence,
severity and whitefly abundance. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) and means were separated using Least Significance Difference at (P<0.05)
Probability level. The results showed that Dan Ajafa was promising in terms of sprouting at
1WAT and significantly same with Bahaushe and Dan Obasanjo at 2 WAT. Same trend was
observed in terms of incidence as Dan Ajafa and Bahaushe had higher disease incidence at 4
WAT while Barunje recorded moderate but higher mean disease severity. Barunje also recorded
higher mean whitefly at 2 and 4 WAT but Dan Obasanjo ranked first at 6 WAT. Therefore this
study concluded that Dan Ajafa can be used by the farmers for both seed multiplication and root
production for sustainable cassava production.