Identification and Characterization of Cassava Mosaic Begomoviruses in Non-crop Plants from Unguja and Pemba Islands

Cassava mosaic disease caused by cassava begomoviruses (CMBs) remains one of the major constraints to production since it causes yield losses up 100%. Researches showed that some CMBs infecting plants may be coming from non-crop plants. This study intended identify and characterize isolated plant species in Unguja Pemba Islands. A total 108 viral symptomatic asymptomatic leaf samples were collected using stratified sampling. DNA was extracted CTAB protocol followed polymerase chain reaction universal specific primers for identification. Results that, among eleven amplified, four African viruses (ACMV) seven East (EACMV). sequencing Sanger method 97–99% similarities with isolates ACMV EACMV reported elsewhere Africa. Using RbcL MatK barcode genes, Datura stramonium, Solanum melongena incanum found associated ACMV, while Senna occidentalis, Sida acuta Ricinus communis harboured EACMV. These findings are a key understanding epidemiology potential development sustainable management strategies this disease.
 Keywords: Begomoviruses, disease, virus, Non crop