Published in PLOS One on 2026-03-31, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Olivier Likiti Kola, Christophe Simiand, Hadija Mussa Ally, Sharon L. van Brunschot, Justin S. Pita, John Colvin, Godefroid Monde Te Kazangba, Hélène Delatte
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0338200
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) are two viral diseases that threaten cassava production in the East and Central African countries. These diseases are spread by members of the cryptic species complex of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci sensu lato, and/or through the propagation of infected stem cuttings. This study aims to i) identify the B. tabaci s.l. species colonizing cassava in the north of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), ii) analyse their genetic diversity, and iii) examine how this diversity is geographically structured or influenced by invasions from neighbouring (eastern) countries with high CBSD prevalence. A comprehensive sampling survey was conducted across 43 sites from east to west in the DRC, spanning 1339 km. Both nuclear and mitochondrial markers were used to identify the species and study the genetic diversity and structuring of the populations. Three species of B. tabaci s.l. were found: B. tabaci SSA1-SG1 U SG2; B. tabaci SSA1-SG3, and B. tabaci SSA2 U SSA3. In the surveyed provinces, B. tabaci SSA1 SG1 U SG2 was the dominant species (94.91%). It was structured into two genetic clusters along the east-west transect, while B. tabaci SSA2 U SSA3 was restricted to the western provinces. The findings of this study confirm that B. tabaci SSA1-SG1 U SG2 is the most abundant and adapted species on cassava in the DRC. It is likely that this species is responsible for the spread of cassava virus diseases in the DRC. Furthermore, the results showed significant geographical structuring of B. tabaci SSA1-SG1 U SG2 populations, with potential movements of populations towards the west of the country. This highlights the increased risk of virus spread towards West Africa.
Introduction
Cassava is one of the main staple food crop and a vital source of income for smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) [1]. It plays a key role in the food security of poor farmers in East and Central African countries [2]. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), cassava is the most important and widely grown food crop, consumed in various forms by more than 70% of the population [3]. The tuberous roots are transformed into multiple products, while cassava leaves are consumed as a vegetable in all the provinces, varying by local preferences [4]. Other West African countries such as Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo and Nigeria use cassava for human consumption in various artisanal products and as a source of raw material for a variety of industrial products such as starch, flour and ethanol [5]. Nigeria is the world's largest cassava producer with an estimated annual output of 63 million tonnes and its cassava transformation master plan is the most advanced in SSA [6].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Olivier Likiti Kola, Christophe Simiand, Hadija Mussa Ally, Sharon L. van Brunschot, Justin S. Pita, John Colvin, Godefroid Monde Te Kazangba, Hélène Delatte. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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