Development of a management strategy for Bean root rot in southwestern Uganda

Abstract

Bean root rot was first noted in Southwestern Uganda many years ago according to the people in the area but it wasn’t until early 1990’s when its destruction became apparent. The disease is now the most important disease affecting beans in this area. It has resulted in total destruction of the crop during favourable weather conditionsforthedisease. Itwasthereforeimportantthatamanagementstrategyforthediseasebedeveloped so that the bean production in the area could be revitalized. Several management options were tested singly and in combination on farmers’ fields to select that which could reduce the effect of this disease. Six varieties of beans were selected as best at tolerating the disease. However the disease was better controlled when tolerant varieties were combined w ith soil amendment methods such as applying farmyard manure, inorganic fertilizer and green manure. The combination that gave the lowest disease incidence and severity was that involving tolerant varieties, farm yard manure, intercropping (with maize and sorghum) and earthing up.