Viral metagenomics of aphids present in bean and maize plots on mixed-use farms in Kenya

Reveals the presence of three dicistroviruses including a novel Big Sioux River virus-like dicistrovirus

From:
Department for International Development
Published
2 October 2017
Country:
Kenya, Uganda
Document Type:
Journal Article
Theme:
Agriculture
Authors:
Wamonje, F, Michuki, G, Braidwood,L, Njuguna, J

Abstract

Aphids are major vectors of plant viruses. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) are important crops that are vulnerable to aphid herbivory and aphid-transmitted viruses. In East and Central Africa, common bean is frequently intercropped by smallholder farmers to provide fixed nitrogen for cultivation of starch crops such as maize. We used a PCR-based technique to identify aphids prevalent in smallholder bean farms and next generation sequencing shotgun metagenomics to examine the diversity of viruses present in aphids and in maize leaf samples. Samples were collected from farms in Kenya in a range of agro-ecological zones.

This work arises from the Sustainable Crop production for International Development (SCPRID) programme.

Citation

Wamonje F, Michuki G, Braidwood L, Njuguna J, Musembi Mutuku J, Djikeng A, Harvey J, Carr J. (2017). Viral metagenomics of aphids present in bean and maize plots on mixed-use farms in Kenya reveals the presence of three dicistroviruses including a novel Big Sioux River virus-like dicistrovirus. Virology Journal 14(1): 188

Viral metagenomics of aphids present in bean and maize plots on mixed-use farms in Kenya reveals the presence of three dicistroviruses including a novel Big Sioux River virus-like dicistrovirus

Published 2 October 2017
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