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Farming & Management

Maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND) in Ethiopia: Importance, biology, epidemiology and management


DOI: 10.31830/2456-8724.2026.FM-189    | Article Id: FM-189 | Page : 62-72
Citation :- Maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND) in Ethiopia: Importance, biology, epidemiology and management. Farm. Manage. 11: 62-72
MALKAMU FUFA AJEMA melkamufufa@gmail.com
Address : Sidama Region Agricultural Research Institute, Hawassa Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 1226, Hawassa, Ethiopia
Submitted Date : 24-04-2026
Accepted Date : 23-05-2026
Online Published:

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an economically, nutritionally, and industrially pivotal cereal crop globally. Ethiopia is the second-largest maize producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the crop serves as a primary staple for millions of smallholder farmers across diverse agro-ecologies. Despite its importance, production is severely constrained by a complex matrix of biotic and abiotic factors. Among the biotic constraints, Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) has emerged as the most destructive transboundary viral threat to maize productivity in the region. This review was undertaken to: 1) assess the economic impact and yield losses attributed to MLND in the Ethiopian context; 2) elucidate the biology and synergistic mechanisms of the causative pathogens- Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV); 3) examine the epidemiological drivers of the disease, with an emphasis on vector dynamics and alternative host reservoirs; and 4) synthesize sustainable management strategies. Data were consolidated from peer-reviewed journals, doctoral dissertations, technical reports, and international symposia proceedings. Findings indicate that MLND causes catastrophic grain yield losses ranging from 50 to 100%. The disease is driven by a unilateral synergistic co-infection where SCMV suppresses the host's innate immune system via RNA silencing interference, leading to hyper-accumulation of MCMV. Thrips (Frankliniella spp.) and aphid (Rhopalosiphum spp.) vectors, supplemented by low-rate seed transmission, which facilitates long-distance dissemination, primarily govern epidemiology. Effective mitigation requires an Integrated Disease Management (IDM) framework involving rigorous phytosanitary protocols, synchronized crop rotation, targeted vector control, and the deployment of resistant hybrids developed through marker-assisted breeding. This review concludes that while MLND poses a critical threat to national food security, its impact can be mitigated through the strategic integration of host resistance and optimized cultural practices.

Keywords

Integrated disease management maize chlorotic mottle virus synergism sugarcane mosaic virus yield loss

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