Studies on Identification and Prevalence of Viruses Affecting Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) in the River Nile State, Sudan*

Abstract

Extensive surveys were conducted in the main production areas
of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in the River Nile State to identify the viruses
prevalent at different stages of growth and to determine their distribution
and relative importance. Thousands of samples from infected plants were
collected and tested serologically in the Virology Laboratory at the
International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas
(ICARDA), Syria, for identification of the causal viruses. Bean yellow
mosaic virus (BYMV) proved to be the most dominant virus (68%)
responsible for yield reduction. Tissue blot immunoassay proved to be an
efficient tool for surveying vast areas and for testing in distant production
areas. Being simple, fast, inexpensive and very sensitive, it is best suited
as a tool for virus diagnosis in developing countries like the Sudan.