The Role of Insects as Potential Vectors of Cassava and Cowpea Bacterial Blight in West Africa

Abstract:

Xanthomonas campestris pv.manihotis (Bondar, 1912) (Xcm) and Xanthomonas campestris pv. vignicola (Burkholder, 1944) (Dye, 1978) (Xcv) are both worldwide important pathogens, causing bacterial blight diseases of cassava and cowpea, respectively. The presence of the pathogens in/on the variegated grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (L.) (Orth.: Acrididae), an occassionally important pest of cassava and cowpea in West Africa, was demosntrated. X. campestris pv. manihotis and X. campestris pv. vignicola were detected on the legs, the mandibles, in the intestines and in the faeces of the insects by isolation.