TRAINING OF ZAMBIA NATIONAL PLANT PROTECTION ORGANIZATION DELEGATES ON DIAGNOSTICS OF MAIZE LETHAL NECROSIS DISEASE
Six delegates from the Zambia National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) undertook training on Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease Diagnostics at the KEPHIS plant Quarantine and biosecurity Station-Muguga from 9th to 13th December 2024. Trade Mark Africa supported the training, delivered through the Center of Phytosanitary Excellence (COPE) and involved plant health inspectors and laboratory analysts.
Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) is a significant agricultural threat in Africa, particularly affecting maize crops, a staple food source for millions. The disease is caused by the co-infection of two viruses: the Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV) and various viruses from the Potyviridae family, such as the Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV). This combination leads to severe symptoms and can result in devastating yield losses.
Since the first report of the disease in Kenya, KEPHIS has been at the forefront of managing the disease in seed production and farmer's fields. All maize seed imports must be tested for viruses causing maize lethal Necrosis disease before the seed enters the seed certification system. Field inspections, sampling, and testing are also done as a phytosanitary control measure to ensure the seed produced is free from the viruses causing the disease. Zambia is an MLN non-endemic country, and this training is a good time for Zambia NPPO to continue maintaining that status.
The training was opened with welcoming remarks from Ms. Florence Munguti, the Ag. Director Laboratory Services in KEPHIS emphasized the importance of pest diagnostics training in enhancing the technical capacity of Zambia NPPO to continue preventing disease entry into Zambia. Ms. Hellen Langat, Manager Sanitary and Phytosanitary Programs, representing Trade Mark Africa in her remarks, acknowledged the expertise of KEPHIS staff in delivering such training for the region through COPE. She indicated that TMA is committed to continuing to support and strengthen the capacities of NPPOS in Africa in promoting safe trade.
Prof. Theophilus Mutui, the Managing Director KEPHIS, officially opened the training. In his remarks, he took the participants through KEPHIS's mandate and the efforts it has been making to facilitate the safe movement of maize seeds. KEPHIS undertakes disease diagnostics on all maize seeds to ensure that the seed planted is free from maize lethal necrosis disease. The training is meant to strengthen the capacity of NPPO to effectively continue operationalizing Phytosanitary measures and facilitate regional seed maize trade.
The training will cover an overview of the disease, the diagnostics of the viruses causing maize lethal necrosis, epidemiology, detection methods, management practices, and hands-on practicals to equip the participants with skills to detect the disease. Zambia has been MLN-free; therefore, the training comes at an opportune time as the country continues to take measures to prevent the introduction of the disease, primarily through seed movement.
KEPHIS acknowledges the importance of adhering to strict Phytosanitary controls and policies. KEPHIS's role in ensuring compliance with international standards is key to promoting safe trade, not only for the benefit of Kenyan farmers but also for protecting our trading partners. Phytosanitary compliance ensures that our exports remain competitive in international markets while safeguarding our agricultural sector from invasive pests and diseases.