# Identification and Distribution of Begomoviruses Infecting Cassava Fields in Sierra Leone

## TL;DR

This study identifies and maps the distribution of begomoviruses causing cassava mosaic disease in Sierra Leone, revealing regional differences in infection patterns and virus types.

## Contribution

The study provides the first detailed identification and regional distribution analysis of begomoviruses in cassava fields in Sierra Leone.

## Key findings

- ACMV-like viruses were the most prevalent at 78.1%, while EACMV-like viruses were present in 1.3% of samples.
- Co-infections of ACMV-like and EACMV-like viruses occurred in 20.6% of samples, with EACMCMV detected in 70.6% of EACMV-positive samples.
- EACMCMV was more prevalent in Sierra Leone and found in all regions except the western area.

## Abstract

A dearth of knowledge exists on identifying the begomoviruses and distributing cassava mosaic viruses across key cassava-growing regions of Sierra Leone. The study aimed to identify and map the distribution of cassava mosaic disease (CMD)-associated viruses in farmers’ fields in Sierra Leone. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaf samples were collected in 109 smallholder farms during a geo-referenced survey conducted from 10th May to 5th June 2024. Molecular diagnostics were carried out to identify the viral strains associated with CMD. Findings revealed that infection by stem cutting was more predominant in the south, east, north, and northwest regions than in the west region. In contrast, infection by whitefly was predominant in the west, north, and northwest regions. PCR screening of 426 samples coupled with sequence analysis revealed the presence of African cassava mosaic-like (ACMV-like) viruses, and East African cassava mosaic-like (EACMV-like) viruses as single infections at 78.1% and 1.3%, respectively. Co-infections of ACMV-like and EACMV-like viruses were detected in 20.6% of the tested samples. In addition, 70.6% of the samples positive for EACMV-like virus (single and mixed infections) were found to be positive for East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus (EACMCMV). The ACMV and co-infection of ACMV and EACMV viruses were present in all regions, while EACMCV was detected in all regions except the western area. The results indicate more prevalence of the EACMCMV variant in Sierra Leone. This study suggests utilization of participatory surveillance and good agronomic practices to manage CMD in Sierra Leone.