FARMERS' PERCEPTIONS ON MAIZE STREAK VIRUS DISEASE, PRODUCTION CONSTRAINTS, AND PREFERRED MAIZE VARIETIES IN THE FOREST-TRANSITION ZONE OF GHANA.

he Maize Streak Virus Disease (MSVD) is noted as one of the most important biotic constraints to maize production in Sub Saharan Africa and threat to food security. However, farmers' awareness, perceptions and general knowledge of this important disease, production constraints and preferred maize varieties have not been adequately assessed in the forest transition ecologies of Ghana hence this study. An informal survey which involved eight farmer focus group discussions was held in two ecologies in two regions of Ghana prior to the main survey. The formal survey involved random selection of farmers and administration of semi- structured questionnaires. Farmers reported that they lose about 20% of their produce to MSVD. Majority cultivated improved open-pollinated (OPV)s varieties and the local landrace called Aburohoma or Appiah with only 3% growing hybrid varieties. Farmers were not sure which of their varieties are resistant or susceptible to MSVD because over 70% of respondents had suffered the disease on their fields. Control of the disease varied from uprooting and burning infected plants, application of fungicides whilst others did nothing. Majority of farmers preferred varieties that are high yielding with slender cobs and resistant to the maize streak virus disease. Production constraints identified include financing, tractor services, transportation, climate change, pest and diseases, etc. It is recommended that breeders involve farmers at the initial stages of development of varietal development for wider adoption.