Author/Authors :
TUSHEMEREIRWE, W.K. Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, Uganda , OKAASAI, 0. Ministry of Agriculture, Animal industry and Fisheries, Uganda , KUBIRIBA, J. Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, Uganda , NANKINGA, C. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Uganda , MUHANGI, J. Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, Uganda , ODOI, N. Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, Uganda , OPIO, F. Namulongc Agricultural and Animal Research Institute, Uganda
Abstract :
Banana bacterial wilt caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. Musacearum (Xcm) was first reported in Ethiopia on Ensete vmtricosum in 1968 and on bananas in 1974. A similar disease, confirmed to be caused by Xcm was then reported in Uganda in 2001 on bananas in Mukono and Kayunga. The disease (now locally called Kiwotoka) is very destructive and attacks most of the banana cultivars grown in Uganda. In 2005 it was estimated to have caused yield loss of about US$ 34 million at a time when it was well established in only about 30% of the banana producing areas. This paper describes the current status of the disease distribution and control in Uganda.