Project
Etiology and Epidemiology of Coffee Wilt Disease in Uganda
Details
Project Code:
Not Available
Start Date:
1999
End Date:
2004
CRSP Phase:
Phase 2
Budget:
Not Available
Countries:
Uganda
Participants
Lead University:
Ohio State University
Other Partners:
Coffee Research Institute; Virginia Tech; Ohio State University
Principal Investigator(s):
None
Co-Principal Investigator(s):
J.M. Erbaugh, H. Warren (US); G. Hakiza, A. Kangire, D. Kyetere, P. Musoli, P. Kucel (Uganda)
Overview
This project undertook a detailed study of the Coffee Wilt Disease (CWD) causal pathogen, Fusarium xylarioides, its pathogenic nature and molecular characteristics, to further understand the nature by which infection occurs. Lack of knowledge on etiology and epidemiology, of Coffee Wilt Disease (CWD), has undermined development of effective control measures to combat this important robusta coffee disease in Uganda.
Objectives
1. To establish the host-pathogen and environment relationship of Fusarium xylarioides in order to identify effective control strategies. 2. To determine etiology and epidemiology of Fusarium xylarioides
Outcomes
The studies indicate that although no alternate hosts of the pathogen were identified, various transmission avenues are possible. Variation in varietal response to the pathogen was also established, and together with limited variation in strains of the pathogen, could provide an opportunity for breeding for resistance. The report outlines a number of methodologies used to assess mechanisms of disease transmission, the effect of environmental factors on its development, incidence and spread.