Maize Streak Virus DiseaseIdentification & Treatment Guide 2026
Maize streak virus (MSV) · Family: Geminiviridae
Maize streak virus (MSV) causes narrow, broken yellow streaks along leaf veins in maize. Transmitted by Cicadulina leafhoppers across Africa. Early infection causes severe stunting and barren ears. Use MSV-resistant varieties, control leafhoppers, avoid late planting, and rogue infected plants early to reduce virus source.
Scan This Plant NowQuick Diagnosis
highMaize Streak Virus Disease
- Affects
- leavesears
- Peak Season
- Rainy season onset, when leafhopper migration from grass hosts to young maize crops occurs
- Spread Risk
- Fast
- Spread By
- Cicadulina leafhopper species — persistent, circulative transmission
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Symptoms: What does Maize Streak Virus Disease look like?
Visual identification guide — tap each stage for details
Fine broken yellow streaks on young leaves
Fine, pale yellow to white, broken (discontinuous) streaks appear along leaf veins on newly emerging leaves. Streaks are narrow (0.5-1 mm) and run parallel to veins.
Broad yellow streaks and stunting
Streaks widen and become more continuous. Leaves may turn almost entirely yellow. Plants infected early are severely stunted with shortened internodes.
Barren or poorly-filled ears
Severely infected plants produce small, poorly-filled or completely barren ears. Plants infected after tasseling show little yield impact. Severity depends entirely on age at infection.
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