Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease was first reported in East Africa in 2011 and has posed a serious threat to food security in the region. The disease is caused by a synergistic interaction between Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV); but little is known about the role of other plant pathogens associated with the crop. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effect of lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) on MLN disease development in maize varieties H614D and Emph 1101. Variety H614D is known to be susceptible to both MLN and Pratylenchus spp. whereas maize variety Emph 1101 is susceptible to MLN but resistant to Pratylenchus nematodes.
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