Biswal, Akshaya KumarAlakonya, Amos EmitatiMottaleb, Khondokar AbdulHearne, Sarah J.Sonder, KaiMolnar, Terence LukeJones, Alan M.Pixley, Kevin VailPrasanna, Boddupalli Maruthi2024-06-192022-11-23Biswal, A.K., Alakonya, A.E., Mottaleb, K.A. et al. Maize Lethal Necrosis disease: review of molecular and genetic resistance mechanisms, socio-economic impacts, and mitigation strategies in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Plant Biol 22, 542 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-022-03932-yhttps://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-022-03932-yhttps://repository.nrf.go.ke/handle/123456789/819Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease is a significant constraint for maize producers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The disease decimates the maize crop, in some cases, causing total crop failure with far-reaching impacts on regional food security. In this review, we analyze the impacts of MLN in Africa, finding that resource-poor farmers and consumers are the most vulnerable populations. We examine the molecular mechanism of MLN virus transmission, role of vectors and host plant resistance identifying a range of potential opportunities for genetic and phytosanitary interventions to control MLN. We discuss the likely exacerbating effects of climate change on the MLN menace and describe a sobering example of negative genetic association between tolerance to heat/drought and susceptibility to viral infection. We also review role of microRNAs in host plant response to MLN causing viruses as well as heat/drought stress that can be carefully engineered to develop resistant varieties using novel molecular techniques.enMaizePotyvirusDrought stressGene editingArticle