The objective of the present study was to identify the viral strains associated with cassava brown streak disease, to determine the cassava cultivars used, their status (local or improved), and the age of cassava crops in the field, and to study its distribution in the Province of North Kivu. The modified Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide method was used to extract RNA from samples of collected cassava leaves. A pair of primers was used in diagnosis to confirm the presence of viral strains on the samples. Cassava cultivars followed by their status and age in cultivation were determined. Georeferenced survey data and molecular analysis data were integrated into molecular incidence and field incidence maps. Our results show that the cassava brown streak disease is spread in all the territories of North Kivu, the most infected are the territories of Beni, Masisi, and Rutshuru while the least infected are Lubero and Nyiragongo. The improved cultivars are the most cultivated in Beni and Lubero (5 improved against 4 local and 5 improved against 2 local respectively). The average age of the crops is 6 months. Out of 380 samples tested, 74 (19%) reacted positively to the Cassava brown streak virus. Cassava brown streak disease is recognized as a major constraint in the cassava fields of farmers in North Kivu caused by Cassava brown streak virus and is spread in all the territories surveyed. The cassava cultivars used are improved and local with an average age of 6 months.

Keywords : Determination, cassava brown streak disease, Molecular incidence, Field incidence, North Kivu.