Prevalence of Viruses Infecting Sorghum in Nigeria-A Review

Viruses infecting sorghum are widely distributed in Asia and Africa and are of economic importance. In recent years, apparent virus disease incidence has increased, probably due to changes in agricultural practices associated with the introduction of hybrids and new varieties that are being developed and released continuously. The first virus disease described on sorghum in the world was Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV). Nigeria is one of the leading sorghum producing countries in the world and most of its populace in the northern part depend on sorghum as their primary staple food and so far, seven viruses have been identified on sorghum in Nigeria: Maize mosaic virus (MMV), Maize stripe virus (MSpV), Maize streak virus (MSV), Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), Guinea grass mosaic virus (GGMV), Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV) and Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV). This calls for proper molecular characterization and deployment of management strategies of the diseases the viruses incite. Future research needs are discussed.