TITLE:
Multiplex PCR for Identification and Detection of Cassava Mosaic Begomoviruses in Togo
AUTHORS:
Senya Sakina Allado, Djodji Kossikouma Adjata, Justin Simon Pita, Assion Sétu Mivedor, Kodjovi Atassé Dansou-Kodjo, Koffi Tozo
KEYWORDS:
Cassava, Begomovirus, CMD, CMB, EACMV/CM, PCR Multiplex
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Microbiology,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
14,
2023
ABSTRACT: Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) caused by Cassava Mosaic Begomoviruses (CMBs) is one of the most devastating crop diseases and a major constraint for cassava production. In order to ensure surveillance for epidemic prevention, low-cost diagnostic tools are appropriate for large-scale testing of cassava viruses. Multiplex PCR diagnosis is one approach that can reduce diagnostic costs and delays. A multiplex PCR approach was developed for simultaneous detection of African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV), East African Cassava Mosaic Virus and East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus (EACMV/CM) in Togo CMD-infected cassava leaves. Three primers pairs were used to target their respective viruses in a single tube PCR. Multiplex PCR detected ACMV, EACMV and EACMV/CM in plant DNA extracts prepared from cassava leaves infected with CMB. The primers amplified 783 bp specific to ACMV, 650 bp specific to EACMV and 560 bp specific to EACMCV/CM in both uniplex and multiplex formats. Multiplex PCR is an excellent tool for the effective control of cassava diseases.