18/01/2026
Maize streak virus (MSV) is a plant virus that affects maize and other grasses. It is transmitted by leafhoppers and can cause significant yield losses in maize .
Symptoms
Ealy signs:Infection usually starts as very small, round, scattered pale spots on the youngest leaves.
Progression: Over time, these spots elongate and connect, forming narrow, broken or continuous Streaks.
The white or yellow streaks run parallel to the leaf veins and contrast sharply against the dark green of the healthy leaf tissue.
Stunted growth and bunchy top
Impacts on Yields
1. Infected plants often produce very small cobs or cobs with widely spaced, missing kernels
2. Sometimes barrenness.
3. Affected crops do not recover
Prevention and Control
1. Early planting at the onset of rains
2. Plant resistant maize varieties
3. Rogue and destroy infected plants.
4. Remove volunteer maize and grassy weeds.
5. Controlling leafhoppers populations by applying insecticides like FD Lambda-cyhalothrin, FD Imidachloprid, FD Muroti, FD Dichlorvos, FD Carbaryl and Thiamethoxam.
6. Seed dressing using Gaucho is recommended
7. Practising good agronomic practices
