Some aspects of the epidemiology of Maize streak virus (MSV) genus Mastrevirus concerning virus incidence, vector populations and some environmental factors were investigated in field experiments conducted over a three year period (2000–2002) at Samaru, northern Nigeria. Significant positive correlations were obtained between number of leafhoppers caught and MSV incidence and age of plant at infection and also with temperature. Also significant negative correlations were obtained between MSV incidence and mean relative humidity; between number of leafhoppers and age of plants and with mean rainfall. Leafhopper vectors caught included Cicadulina arachidis China, C. mbila Naude, C. triangula Ruppel and C. similis China, in order of abundance. Leafhopper incidence was highest in the months of September and October.

Intensive surveys conducted at Samaru and its environs in the northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria between October 2000 and September 2002, indicated that Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) infests forty two (thirty three cultivated and seven wild) species of plants. Twenty nine of the plants were found in upland, two in the lowland and eleven in both upland and lowland (fadama) areas. Heavily infested plants were distorted, chlorotic and stunted. Symptoms of virus infection were associated with some of the infested plants. This is the first comprehensive report of hosts of B. tabaci in Nigeria.