Hasiya Usman Jibrilla
Hungarian university of Agriculture and life sciences, MATE, Hungary
Abstract Title:
Prevalence, incidence and socioeconomic impact of pepper mild mottle virus in selected local government arears of adamawa state, nigeria
Biography:
Iam a PhD student of Plant Science at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, MATE, Godollo, Hungary. A passionate researcher in the area of Plant Virology. A Lecturer at the Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Modibbo Adama University, Yola Nigeria. I was awarded Institutional Based Research Grant 2024, I was awarded Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2025. I published 6 papers and 3 are ongoing, I attended many conferences both local and International and also member to scientific organization Including Malaysian Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Nigerian Society for Plant Protection and many more.
Research Interests:
Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) is a major viral pathogen limiting pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production in Nigeria particularly Adamawa state, due to its persistence and mechanical transmissibility. While pepper viruses have been surveyed in parts of Southwest and Central Nigeria, the unique agro-ecological zones and smallholder seed systems of Adamawa State remain largely unmapped regarding Tobamoviruses. Despite the massive risk of yield losses reaching up to 95%, there is an absolute lack of distribution mapping, and structural awareness regarding PMMoV strains in Adamawa. This study assessed the prevalence, incidence, severity, and socioeconomic impact of PMMoV in three major pepper-producing Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Adamawa State, Nigeria: Fufore, Song, and Yola North. Field surveys were conducted during 2025 growing season across 60 farms using symptom-based assessments, disease severity scoring, plant growth measurements, and questionnaires. PMMoV prevalence was highest in Fufore (65%), followed by Song (50%) and Yola North (45%). Disease incidence reached 70% in Fufore with a mean severity score of 4.5 (0–5 scale). Infected plants showed significant reductions in plant height, number of flowers, and biomass compared with healthy plants. Yield losses ranged from 40% to 60%, with estimated economic losses up to $500 per hectare. Low farmer awareness, poor sanitation practices, and limited use of certified seeds were identified as major drivers of disease spread. This finding highlights the importance of integrated disease management strategies involving resistant varieties, improved sanitation, and farmer education to sustain pepper production in the region.
