Seed transmission of BCMV-BICM threaten cowpea seed health in the Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions of Ghana

Antigen-coated plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACP-ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect the presence seed transmissibility of bean common mosaic virus-blackeye cowpea (BCMV-BICM) in farm- retained lots obtained from 46 locations, including markets farms major growing areas Ashanti Brong Ahafo regions Ghana. In growout tests, virus symptomatic plants observed seedlings 19 tested under insect-proof screen-house conditions. All positive polyclonal antiserum raised against BCMV-BICM ACP-ELISA. The transmission rates based on symptoms ranged 0 37.8 %. RT-PCR with primer pair designed amplify potyvirus Cylindrical Inclusion (CI) region resulted an expected 720 bp DNA segment as a further confirmation lots. remaining 27 asymptomatic negative BCMV-BlCM both ACP-ELISA RTPCR. findings this study revealed source primary inoculum farmers’ fields may aid implementation control strategies such discouraging farmers retaining their own seeds for subsequent sowing encouraging them take appropriate measures obtaining virus-free other sources.