Bambara groundnut is an important legume with great nutritional and economic potential. However, its production is limited by several constraints, including viral diseases. Among these diseases, mosaic disease caused by Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus (CABMV) is the most dominant and frequent on Bambara groundnut. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of the disease caused by CABMV in a real environment to develop effective and sustainable control strategies. Sampling was carried out in farmers’ fields in the localities of Dapélogo and Kamboinsé from central region of Burkina Faso. Symptomatic and asymptomatic samples were collected from Bambara groundnut and neighbouring crops, followed by periodic observations on the development of the disease in the fields of the two localities. Serological and molecular diagnostic tests revealed the presence of CABMV in the samples collected. The spread of the disease varied according to locality and evaluation period. The results showed a variation in the average number of diseased seedlings from 0.5 to 11.94 respectively at 15 days after sowing (DAS) and 55DAS. Disease incidence was severe in the Dapélogo locality with an average infection rate of 8.97% versus 5.25% in Kamboinsé. Plants aged between 15 and 45 days were the most favourable for viral infection. Cowpeas, peanuts and sesame crops were identified as CABMV reservoir hosts. The study provides for the first-time data on the epidemiology of CABMV infecting Bambara groundnut. This is important for the development of virus management strategies in the event of an epidemic.

Alternative hosts, Bambara groundnut, Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus, Incidence, Spread