1. Towards integrated management of aphid vectors and associated viral diseases on passion fruit in Uganda
Ochwo-Ssemakula, M1, Nantale, M1, Olango, A1, Sseruwagi, P2 & Karungi, J1
1School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
2Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 6226, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
 Corresponding author:
Background
Passion fruit is mainly grown on a small scale although the crop is relevant for poverty alleviation among women & youth.
Viral diseases are the most significant constraint to production, causing % yield losses & up to 100% crop loss.
The diseases are caused by a novel virus, the Passiflora chlorotic mottle virus (PaCMV), whose transmission is in dispute (Ochwo-Ssemakula et al., 2012).
Commercial cultivars are largely susceptible.
Aphis craccivora (Kale)
Figure 2. Interviews with passion fruit farmers
Preliminary results
Four aphid species associated with passion fruit cropping systems: Bean, cowpea, green peach and sowthistle aphids (Fig. 1); of which three species show potential for vectoring PaCMV.
51% farmers find pesticides effective in disease management though 87% have never been trained in safe pesticide use.
65% farmers targeted aphids in pesticide application. In addition, less farmers use pesticide currently than used them during peak commercial production in the 1990s.
Aphis fabae (Avocado)
Figure 1. Aphids associated with passion fruit
Methodology
Surveys, laboratory & screen house analyses to establish the virus vector(s) and potential biological control agents.
Baseline studies (Fig. 2) & field trials to determine the feasibility of chemical control for viral disease & vector management.
Literature cited
Ochwo-Ssemakula M., Sengooba T., Hakiza J.J., Adipala E., Edema R., Redinbaugh M.G., Aritua V. & Winter S Plant Disease, 96 (5):
Acknowledgements
This research is funded by the Regional Universities Forum for capacity building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), with additional support from the IPM-Innovation Labs (East Africa) & OSU/VT (USA).