The MLN is a relatively new viral crop disease in Kenya. The disease has no cure. Once maize crop has been affected by the disease, we are advised that the only option left is to cut, put it in a heap and burn it or alternatively uproot and bury deep in the soil to reduce spreading. Once an area has been affected, the disease is said that will linger on in excess of 3yrs.
This crazy disease is spreading like bush fire! I first noted some ‘yellowing’ in a few crops some three or so weeks ago, to date it has wiped out over 10 acres of my farm. I am just wondering how do I even start burying all that in the soil?
If mitigation efforts are not going to be realized soon, it appears like this will spell doom for maize production, a staple food in the country. I remember some years back a disease manifesting itself in a similar manner completely wiped out orange farming in some parts of the country. A similar fate on maize crop could be catastrophic.
