Fusarium wilt resistant bananas considered appropriate replacements for cultivars susceptible to the disease in Uganda

Abstract

Fusarium wilt of bananas (Panama disease), caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysponma Schlecht f.sp.
cubense (E.F.Smith) & Hans is a serious disease occurring virtually in every banana-growing area. In Uganda, it
severely affects important exotic bananas (Bogoya, Kayinja, Kisubi and apple bananas). The most effective control
method for the disease is use ofresis tant cultivars. The objective ofthis study was to evaluate recently imported
germ plasm for resistance to the disease and consumer acceptability. Twenty two cultivars, including reference cultivars
for different races of FOC, were planted in a farmer's field at Kichwamba, Bushenyi district and were completely
randomized in each of the 15 replicates. Data was taken on: disease severity/incidence, yield and consumer
acceptability for the promising ones. Seventeen cultivars , five of which yielded higher than or similarly to Bogoya
were resistant or tolerant and Ssusceptible cultivars. Consumer acceptability tests suggested FHlA 17 and Cavendish
were as good as Bogoya (local check), FIDA 23 and KMS were slightly acceptable as desserts. FillA 17, FHIA 23 and
Cavendish appear appropriate replacements for the susceptible dessert bananas (e.g. Bogoya) but Cavendish should
be tried in areas witbout black Sigatoka while KMS appears a suitable replacement for the juice bananas ( Kisubi and
Kayinja).