Recent advances in coffee berry disease (CBD) control in Uganda

Abstract

Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) caused by the fungus Colletotrichum kahawae (Waller & Bridge) attacks arabic a coffee
in most African arabica coffee growing countries. The disease was first recorded in Uganda in 1959 and surveys on
the disease indicated that up to 50% crop losses were being incurred. Most of the commercial varietjes are still
susceptible to the disease, and use of chemicals remains the only sure control method available. During early 1970s,
fungicides like Ben late (Benomyl50%), Perenox (50% copper) and Captafol (Or·thodifolatan) were tested and
recommended for CBD control. These chemicals became unavailable during mid 1970s and early 1980s. ln the late
1980s, the spray programme was reviewed and new chemicals tested for recommendation to farmers. Trials were
conducted on slopes ofMt. Elgon at Buginyanya sub-station at altitude of 1980-2133 mas!. This paper gives an
account ofthe work done during 1991-1996. Results on CBD incidence and coffee yield on annual basis are presented.
The performance of the fungicides varied in years due to a number of reasons. However, Copper based fungicides,
namely Nordox 50% and 75% as well as Kocide 101 consistently kept the CBD incidence low and increased coffee
yields by over 50%. Organic based fungicides namely Delao, Benlate and Derosa I (except Dyrene) performed poorest
consistently giving higher disease incidence. The copper tonic effect on coffee performance was also evident. Use of
copper based fu ngicides- namely Copper Nordox 75% and 50% and Kocide 101 is recommended for CBD control.
Dyrene could be considered as an alternative fungicide.