This study was aimed to determine the cassava cropping systems and to assess the incidence and the severity of African Cassava Mosaic (ACM) in four areas of Bunia town (Bankoko, Kindia, Mudzi-Pela, and Simbilyabo) and its surroundings in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A diagnostic survey of ACM using the IITA standard scale and the characterization local cassava farming systems was then conducted from March to May 2012 using a sample of 80 farms. The results showed a high ACM incidence, averaging 62.0%, with severity levels ranging between 3 and 4 on the scale, and an attack rate of 49.3%. Twelve cassava cultivars were identified: six sweet varieties (Mukalasa, Bumbafu, Mayayi, Caterina, Sawasawa, and Abude) and six bitter varieties (Pamitu, Rava, Vama, Boxe, Waliba, and MM96). Among these, Pamitu, Mukalasa, and Bumbafu were the most susceptible to ACM. The study also found that cassava is commonly grown in association with other food crops in the area mainly maize and beans. To improve cassava production, the study recommends that the Congolese government— through national, provincial, and local agricultural services introduce preventive measures against the ACM and enhance farmer supervision. This includes farmer training through extension services and support for research programs aimed at selecting ACM-resistant cassava cultivars suited to Ituri agroecosystem in the DRC.
K. et al. (Fri,) studied this question.