Report

Survey and management of potato pests in Uganda (CC3.1.2.2 - output no. 12557)

Abstract

A study was conducted to establish the status of potato pests and diseases in north eastern and south western Uganda to include districts such as Mbale, Namisindwa, Kween, Kapchorwa and Kabale, Rubanda, Kisoro, respectively. The study was aimed at assessing the incidence and prevalence of key pests and diseases affecting potato in Uganda, with special emphasis on potato cyst nematode. Several pests and diseases including leaf miner flies, aphids, potato tuber moths, whiteflies, viruses, several nematode species, bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacaerum), and Fusarium spp. were observed to be affecting potato. Through the prospections conducted in this survey, the potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis) was identified in north eastern and south western areas of Uganda. Male farmers were more engaged in decision-making activities for potato production than their female counterparts in Eastern Uganda. An inclusive and multi institutional team was tasked to conduct this potato disease survey; this exercise was led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC-GIZ), with the special cooperation of the International Potato Centre (CIP), and the active engagement of the BugiZARDI-NARO and the District Production Office of the District Local Governments and Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries-Department of National Crop Certification Services.