Effect of maize streak virus disease on the growth and yield of maize as influenced by varietal resistance levels and plant stage at time of challenge

Field experiments were conducted from 1989 to 1991 at Ibadan, Nigeria, to assess effects of maize streak virus (MSV) disease on growth and yield of maize varieties having different levels of disease resistance. MSV disease reduced yield and growth in all years, but varieties differed significantly in amount of loss, disease severity and incidence. MSV disease was negatively correlated with plant height and dry weight, grain weight per plot, 1000-grain weight, ear length and diameter. In 1989 MSV disease decreased yield of resistant variety TZB-SR by 1.5%, of resistant hybrid 8321-21 by 10%, and of moderately resistant hybrid 8329-15 by 17%. Yield of susceptible variety TZB Gusao was reduced significantly more, by 71%. Plant age at time of virus challenge had significant effects on yield and growth characters, with earlier infection resulting in greater disease severity and yield reduction. A significant interaction between variety x age at challenge was also detected, indicating that varieties were differentially affected by MSV in relation to the growth stage when challenged. Disease incidence after challenge was lower for the most resistant varieties. This property of lower disease incidence under equal challenge opportunities (tolremicity) is an important aspect of resistance. The resistant varieties discussed here were bred for tolerance - good yield performance when diseased -, but TZB-SR and 8321-21 also exhibited tolremicity. Tolremicity combined with tolerance constitutes the overall disease resistance of a variety to a systemic pathogen such as MSV.