Preventing Maize Streak Virus
7.25 - Preventing Maize Streak Virus
Chloe Prendergast, University of Guelph, Canada
Suggested citation for this chapter.
Prendergast, C. (2026) Preventing Maize Streak Virus. In Farmpedia, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. farmpedia.org
Introduction to Maize Streak Virus
Maize Streak Virus (MSV) is a serious virus that infects maize and other grass crops, specifically in sub-Saharan Africa (Mushayi, Shimelis, et al. 2025). The virus can only be transmitted to crops by sap-feeding leafhoppers of the Cicadulina genus, which can also infect a variety of other cereal crops such as barley, wheat, oats, rye, sugarcane, and millet (Mushayi, Shimelis, et al. 2025). Effects of MSV develop gradually in maize plants, starting as pale, circular spots on young leaves formed after infection (Shepherd, Martin, et al. 2010). As the disease progresses, more prominent streaks develop in the primary leaf veins with white, yellow, or red colouring depending on the virus strain (Shepherd, Martin, et al. 2010).
Maize is an important crop worldwide, nutritionally and economically, used in animal feed, developed into sustainable fuel, and for human consumption (Serna-Saldivar and Perez-Carrillo, 2016). In Africa maize is a nutritional staple where 95% of the maize produced is harvested for human consumption, hence the importance of addressing and mitigating MSV (Nuss and Tanumihardjo, 2011). The virus also causes significant economic losses in maize production. Based on the estimate of average annual yield loss being between 6% and 10%, African farmers lose between $120 million and $160 million (USD) annually (Shepherd, Martin, et al. 2010). Another growing concern is reporting and spread of MSV in Asia, where maize is also an economically and nutritionally important crop. Although the virus is most prevalent in African countries, it has also been reported in Asian countries such as India, the Philippines, and elsewhere in southeast Asia (Adam and Antoniw, 2006).
Strategic Planting as a Prevention
Strategic planting of maize crops can be used as a preventative measure to minimize MSV infections. There is a correlation between environmental factors that increase the population and activity of leafhoppers and the rapid increase of MSV. Specifically, factors such as high temperatures, high rainfall, and high humidity appear to increase the abundance of leafhoppers, and subsequently a rise in MSV (Dao and Ouattara, et al. 2025). In a study conducted in Africa, two experimental sites in the Sudanian zone that had a higher incidence level of MSV compared to two experiment sites in the Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso (53.38% and 4.05% vs 11.61% and 2.98%, respectively), the more affected zone had higher rainfall and humidity, allowing leafhoppers to thrive (Dao and Ouattara, et al. 2025). Additionally, planting crops in open areas with little shade can also mitigate MSV, as it was found that leafhoppers prefer crops growing in shaded areas compared to open areas (52.55% and 3.98% vs 12.41% and 3.05%, respectively) (Dao and Ouattara, et al. 2025).
Planting maize crop earlier in the season before high rainfall gives the crop an advantage as it allows for the plants to germinate, gain strength, and become more resilient before the peak spread of MSV (Njoroge, Munyao, et al. 2014). Plants that are infected at earlier stages of growth are more problematic than plants infected at later stages of growth (Njoroge, Munyao, et al. 2014).
Although strategic and early planting of maize crop can be effective, it is highly dependent on extremely precise planting windows based on regional climate data (Table 1). Young maize plants are significantly more vulnerable to MSV, meaning that timing for planting is more or less a race between plant maturity and leafhopper migration/reproduction (Chipole, Maulana, et al. 2022). If crops are planted too early it can cause vulnerability to other insects that are common earlier in the season such as black maize beetles or cutworms (Bell, 2026).
Roguing, Weeding, and Intercropping
Research suggests that intercropping as a cultural practice to mitigate the spread of MSV is also effective in lowering infection rates. It has been found that this practice disrupts mating behaviour and feeding, therefore decreasing infection rates (Page, Smith, et al. 2008). Intercropping with beans and finger millet was found to reduce MSV infection by 17.4% and 14.9% respectively; however when beans and maize were intercropped, a 49% lower maize yield was observed (Page, Smith, et al. 2008). Additional intercropping combinations with maize include cassava and soybean, both of which were found to significantly reduce MSV infection in Cameroon, the Sudano-Sahelian zone, and the Western highlands of Africa (Djomo, Suh, et al. 2025). The combination of maize and cowpea intercropping, as well as maize and sorghum intercropping, has been shown to be effective against MSV, as intercropping affects the movement of leafhoppers throughout crops (Page, Smith, et al. 2008).
Roguing is the practice of monitoring and uprooting plants that have been infected with a pest or pathogen, in this case in order to limit the spread of MSV to healthy plants (Canada Department of Agriculture, 1970). This process ideally limits infection by identifying maize plants with MSV at the first signs of disease (described above in Introduction). It is crucial to put the uprooted plant into a sack and remove it from the vicinity of the healthy crop to ensure the leafhoppers do not migrate to other plants (Lemma, Michael, et al. 2015).
Weeding is also a practice that complements intercropping and roguing, as it is a preventative measure that removes other plants that may be infected by the virus or that act as a host for leafhoppers that transmit it (Government of South Australia, 2025). These host plants include up to 80 other varieties of grasses in the Poaceae family (Shepherd, Martin, et al. 2010). This includes, but is not limited to, velvet finger grass, creeping crab grass, bristly foxtail grass, and signal grass, all of which are found in Africa and Asia (Oluwafemi, Kraberger, et al. 2014). The purpose of weeding is to prevent the "green bridge" which allows leafhoppers and disease to survive on weeds and other vegetation between growing seasons (Government of South Australia, 2025). Additionally, timing of weeding is also key and should be done regularly throughout the planting process.
Although the combination of these methods is effective in preventing the spread of MSV, there are also some trade offs. Intercropping can help disrupt leafhopper patterns; however it also decreases maize yields, particularly when intercropped with beans (Page, Smith, et al. 2008). Roguing can be an effective technique; however it must be done at the first sign of disease, and therefore plants need to be inspected regularly. This makes roguing much more labour intensive as the farmer must inspect, uproot, and bag infected plants. Again, weeding is an important preventative measure, but it must be done often and can be very labour intensive (Lemma, Michael, et al. 2015).
Table 2: Recommended Window for Weeding to Prevent MSV (Nufarm, 2020 and Njoroge, Munyao, et al. 2014)
Natural Pesticides from Local Materials
Wood Ash
The application of wood ash either as a powder or mixed with soap solution to create a thick solution can be used as an effective insecticide against sap sucking leafhoppers. The thick application of this substance directly onto the plant deters a variety of insects, in addition to mitigating the spread of MSV (Fuglae, 1998). The application of wood ash on the plant is physically abrasive to insects, as the microscopic contents of the ash cut through the epicuticular waxes of an insect, causing dehydration and death (Antwi, 2019). The smell and taste of the wood ash are also considerably less palatable for insects, thus acting as additional preventative measures (Antwi, 2019). Wood ash is used topically, meaning it works on the surface of the plant and is only effective if applied regularly, as it does not absorb into the plant. For this reason, it can be labour intensive.
Step by Step Instructions for Using Wood Ash (FarmBiz Africa, 2026)
1. Collect ash from fire.
2. Sift through ash to collect the fine powder, avoiding pieces of charcoal.
3. Dust collected ash over the plants during early morning. Morning dew acts as a glue, allowing the ash to stick to the surface of the leaves and stem.
4. It is important to focus on applying the ash on the central whorl (funnel like center of the plant), because this is where leafhoppers tend to hide and feed.
5. The wood ash should be reapplied weekly, as well as immediately after heavy rain.
6. For a heavier, more effective application, mix two handfuls of ash, 5 liters of water, and 1 tablespoon of soap, then apply solution to the plant (optional).
Neem
Neem trees are widely grown and well known amongst farmers in South Asia, in particular (Petruzzelo, 2026). The application of neem as a crushed seed extract or a leaf based soap solution serves as an insect repellent against sap sucking leaf hoppers (Fuglae, 1998). The active compound of neem is azadirachtin which functions as an insect growth regulator (IGR), to prevent insect molting and reproduction (Bond, Buhl, et al. 2012). The compound is also an antifeedant, making it less palatable for leafhoppers (Bond, Buhl, et al. 2012). The application of neem to a plant lowers the risk of MSV transmission, while containing a toxin that ultimately reduces reproduction of leafhoppers. With this said, creating a neem solution can be labour intensive and is not always accessible to smallholder farmers in Africa.
Step by Step Instructions for Using Neem (FarmBiz Africa, 2026):
1. Add approximately 4 handfuls of crushed neem seeds or approximately 15 handfuls of neem leaves to a large bucket.
2. Add about 10 liters of water to the seeds or leaves.
3. Allow the mixture to soak for 12 to 24 hours.
4. Pour mixture through a fine cloth into a new bucket to remove large pieces.
5. Spray the neem mixture over plants preferably in late afternoon, focusing on the whorl and undersides of leaves.
6. Reapply the mixture weekly, or after a heavy rainfall.
Chili Peppers
Although not as effective as neem or wood ash, chili pepper also offers plant protection against leafhoppers and other insects, as it makes the plant less palatable and is a very powerful contact irritant (Fuglae, 1998). The chemical compound capsaicin, which gives chili peppers their spicy bite (heat), is a contact irritant that burns for insects. The strong odor from the spray may also deter leafhoppers from landing on plants covered in capsaicin (Gervais, Luukinen, et al. 2008). Due to this, chili pepper solution also poses a risk to farmers as it can irritate the skin and eyes during preparation.
Step by Step Instructions for Using Chili Peppers (Peace Corps, 2026):
1. Add about 2 handfuls of dried chilies or 4 handfuls of fresh chilies.
2. Use a mortar and pestle to grind the chilies into a fine paste of powder.
3. Place the chili paste or powder into a container with about 1 liter of water, stir well, and let sit for 24 hours.
4. Strain the mix through a fine cloth.
5. Spray directly onto plants, again focusing on the central whorl and undersides of the leaves.
6. Reapply about every 5 days and immediately after heavy rain.
Commercial Insecticides
There are a variety of commercial insecticides that effectively and efficiently reduce MSV infection as well. Commonly used neonicotinoid insecticides include Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam. Both of these insecticides are used to manage insects, including leafhoppers, therefore mitigating the spread of MSV (Mushayi, Shimelis, et al. 2025). These commercial insecticides both disrupt the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and eventual death (Mushayi, Shimelis, et al. 2025). The preparation of these insecticides depend on their concentration and brand, so it is key to follow directions with respect to the insecticide to water ratio (dilution factor). These commercial insecticides can be applied as a seed coating or directly to the crop in the field and surrounding area (Mushayi, Shimelis, et al. 2025).
Although these insecticides might be available, they are not always locally accessible due to affordability or geographical barriers in remote areas (Zauba, 2026). Additionally, due to the chemical compounds in these insecticides, it is highly recommended for farmers to have the proper personal protection (e.g. ventilator masks) so that long term health issues are avoided (Khan, Bilal, et al. 2023).
MSV Resistant Seed Varieties
Plant breeding to introduce desired genetic variants into maize plants is a modern and effective way of limiting the spread of MSV, as well as producing higher yields (Mushayi, Shimelis, et al. 2025). MSV resistant variants can be bred by a smallholder farmer by crossing an MSV resistant donor plant with a high yielding, but susceptible variety. This should be done across multiple generations of maize to ensure the frequency of resistance genes within a population (Solar Eco Medium, 2023). This must be followed by backcrossing (mating the resulting progeny with the starting high quality local variety, while constantly selecting for the desired genetics (Mushayi, Shimelis, et al. 2025).
Such traditional plant breeding is a low cost solution for smallholder farmers that might not have access to professionally bred varieties, but it can take years to stabilize an MSV resistant variety (Mushayi, Shimelis, et al. 2025) and, practically, should be undertaken in collaboration with a plant breeder (i.e. Participatory Plant Breeding, PPB) who can provide technical assistance and to avoid unintended negative consequences (e.g. loss of yield or other desirable traits).
Step by Step Instructions for Cross Breeding (Solar Eco Medium, 2023):
1. Choose the parent plants (one that is MSV resistant and one that is susceptible but high yielding and has other desirable traits).
2. Both parents must be prepared, so that they are synchronized for the day that the cross breeding procedure will take place as described below.
3. Use a small paper bag to collect the pollen being shed from one of the parents. The pollen contains the sperm. Specifically, the night before doing the mating, shake the tassel to remove old pollen, and place the bag on the tassel, use tape or a paper clip to seal the bottom. Collect the pollen during the next morning.
4. Prepare the second parent, several days before undertaking the mating: before the silks have emerged from the cobs, cover the cobs with paper bags to ensure they are not contaminated with random stray pollen. The silks will accept the pollen, and transmit the sperm awaiting eggs on the surface of the cob.
5. On the day of the mating, which can only occur once the silks have emerged on the receiving plant, take off the bag, pour the pollen onto the silks, and place a paper bag on the pollinated plant.
6. Harvest and save the seeds, and store until next planting season.
7. Observe the results to ensure that the desired traits were acquired.
Helpful Links to Get Started
Video showing how to use wood ash to mitigate insects Link
Video showing how to make neem spray Link
Video showing how to make chili pepper spray (garlic and vinegar is optional) Link
Video showing how to manually cross breed maize Link
MSV prevention and control tips Link
MSV field facts sheet Link
Photos and description of MSV on plant Link
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