Banana bacterial wilt incidence in Uganda

Among the main constraints in banana production in Uganda is the banana Bacterial wilt (BBW) disease. The disease has spread widely but knowledge of its incidence at farmer level is lacking. Recommended disease management/control measures are mainly targeting farm level agronomic practices. This study aimed at establishing the knowledge gap to enhance their effectiveness. The objectives were to assess the role of the different clones in the spread and transmission of BBW and whether farmers were removing male buds from bananas as a control option for the disease. Data were collected on farmers' fields. Disease incidence was highest in Kayunga. Kamuli and Masindi followed by Mbale and Luwero and lowest in Mubende, Bushenyi and Ntungamo. In all districts, the most important clones were cooking bananas, 'Kayinja' and 'Kivuvu'. Results indicated that disease incidence was highest on 'Kayinja' and lowest on cooking bananas. The sample size for the other clones was low for a conclusion tube drawn. The disease was first observed in Kayunga and Kamuli and as far back as 2000 but most of the farmers reported that they first observed the disease between 2003 and 2005. Most farmers reported that they were cutting off the male buds in a sporadic manner and when they were moderately old and using cutting tools. Farmers were reluctant to cut off male buds from 'Kayinja' and 'Kivuvu'. In conclusion, most formers had heard about BBW though more sensitization needs to be done especially about the control measures. (Author's abstract). [Le fletrissement bacterien (BBW) est l'une des contraintes majeures de la production de la banane en Ouganda. La maladie s'est largement repandue mais sa connaissance et son incidence a l'echelle paysanne sont tres limitees. La gestion recommandee de la maladie cible les hybrides a cause de leur tolerance plus elevee au stress abiotique. Les petits producteurs preferent une race locale 'Chitonga' pour son gout et la fermete du fruit. Cependant, ils reconnaissent qu'il manque a 'Chitonga' et aux hybrides un mecanisme de recuperation du stress du a la secheresse observable chez le sorgho ; ce qui les fragilise lors des courtes saisons de pluies. La preference des cultivars varie en fonction de la localisation, pour les producteurs de la region de Mutasa, Muhende, Boshenyi et Ntungamo. Dans tous les districts les clones les plus importants sont les bananiers destines a la cuisson 'Kayinja' et 'Kivuvu'. Les resultats ont indique que l'incidence est plus elevee sur 'Kayinja' et faible pour les bananes destinees a la cuisson. Les echantillons des autres clones sont faibles pour tirer des conclusions. La maladie etait d'abord observee a Kayunga et Kamuli vers 2000. Mais la plupart des fermiers dit qu'ils avaient observe la maladie pour la premiere fois entre 2003 et 2005. La plupart des paysans ont indique qu'ils coupaient les bourgeons de maniere sporadique mais quand ils etaient moderement vieux en utilisant les outils a couper. Les fermiers etaient hesitants pour couper les bourgeons males de 'Kayinja' et 'Kivuvu'. En conclusion, la plupart des paysans ont entendu parler du BBW. Toute fois, des efforts de vulgarisation doivent etre maintenus sur les mesures de controle de la maladie. (Resume d'auteur). ]