Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) is a disease of maize caused by the combination of Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and a virus belonging to the potyviridae family. The most commons are the potyvirus Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV), Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus () or the tritimovirus Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV).

Diffusion: The disease devastates corn fields in east Africa. It has been first described in Kenya in 2012. It has now spread to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania and South Sudan. The viruses are vectored by insects as maize thrips, rootworms and leaf beetles.

Symptoms: Premature plant death / Sterile male plants / Rotting cobs

Impact: As corn is the main staple food in East Africa, MLND is considered as a serious threat for food security. Moreover, corn plants infected with MLND can develop secondary fungal infections and are not considered safe to eat.

Management: Diseased plants should be immediately uprooted and burnt, to prevent further spread. Fields should be constantly monitored. Seeds should be tested before planting. Finally, resistant or tolerant varieties should be used.

Agdia-Emea diagnostic solutions for MLND

ELISA test available: We can also supply your laboratory with the ELISA tests to detect the viruses. If you don’t have a lab, we can provide you training and help you establishing an internal ELISA lab. Finally, we can recommend local laboratories in your country that use our tests to detect the MLND responsible viruses.

Flashkit® MDMV: If you want to test plants in the field, we have a rapid test called Flashkit® (ImmunoStrip®) that allows the detection of MDMV in the field. The test requires no training and it is very simple to use. The answer is provided by the test is 30 minutes or less. We are developing a similar test that will be able to detect the most of the viruses belonging to the Potyvirus group.

Testing service offer: Agdia Testing Services can tests your corn plants and seeds for the viruses that may be the cause of MLND. We can detect the 4 viruses by ELISA and the Potyviridae family by PCR.

For more pathogen tests on Corn contact us: info@agdia-emea.com