Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus detection

Maize dwarf mosaic virus is a potyvirus that naturally infects members of the Poaceae (grass) family, such as corn, sorghum and Johnson grass. It is transmitted by corn seed and by different aphids in a non-persistent manner. Main visual symptoms is mosaic or mottle, commonly near the base of young leaves, which may turn into chlorosis. Severe infection may induce stunting and poor seed.

The combination MDMV  with another virus named Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV), particularly in maize, leads to the Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) which devastates corn fields in East Africa. Read One Acre Fund testimony about MLND.