Sierra Leone IPM project 04: Towards the development of an integrated approach to the management of rice yellow mottle virus (rymv) in Sierra Leone.

Duration: 8 years (2000 to 2007) established in 3 phases (2000-2001, 2002-2003, 2004-2007)

Purpose of the project: To identify feasible components (resistant varieties, cropping patterns and vector control systems that could be integrated into a rice yellow mottle virus (rymv) management strategy.

Background/description: Various rice based cropping systems occur in the inland valley swamps in Sierra Leone where the incidence of rice yellow mottle virus can be high. These systems include rice in the main season followed by cereals, vegetables, root crops, legumes or fallow during the dries. The various cropping systems are likely to have an effect on the insect pests, weeds and disease situation and consequently on rymv as weeds serve as alternate hosts and insects as vectors of the virus. Several insect types with rymv vectoral capacity have been found occurring in rice fields. The identification of crop sequences and vector control strategies that will reduce overall population pressure in addition to utilizing disease resistant rice varieties should provide a practical integrated approach for the management of the virus. The was established in 3 phases: 1) The effect of cropping systems on weed abundance, vector dynamics and incidence of rymv. (2000–2001), 2) The effect of vector control in the management of rymv (2002 –2003), 3) Evaluation of lowland rice for resistance to rymv (2004 – 2007)

Agro-ecological zone(s) and location(s): Inland Valley Swamps in Northwestern Sierra Leone

Expected outputs: 1) The effect of cropping systems on rymv determined, 2) Correlation effect of vector number and rymv infection established in addition to suitable vector control strategies, 3) Lowland rice cultivars resistant to rymv identified

Potential impact and beneficiaries: Farmers will be the primary beneficiaries as integrated package developed will not only boost rice yields but could also lead to more efficient utilization of inland valley swamps. The overall effect could be an improvement in rural economy, food diversity and an enhancement of the food security situation nationally.

Partners: (a) West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA)/Africa Rice Centre, (b) The University of Sierra Leone

Project contact person(s)/principal investigator(s): Dr. D.R. Taylor rokupr@sierratel.sl denrtay@hotmail.com

Rice Research Station, Rokupr (RRS,R)