Abstract:

Root rats (mole rats, enfuko, nfukuzi, Tachymyctes splendens) are a major problem to farmers in Uganda. Root rats feed on the roots and lower stems of many crops, especially sweet potato and cassava, often killing the plant and causing much yield loss. Root rats live in extensive, underground tunnel systems and their presence is not obvious to the inexperienced observer. Farmers traditionally attempt to control root rats by digging them out, but root rats can move quickly through their complex system of tunnels, and often escape. Traps and snares are also used by farmers, but they are only partially effective. One new promising technology to control root rats is to plant Tephrosia (Tephrosia vogelhO as scattered plants in a field or as a barrier around fields. Leaves and roots of Tephrosia contain rotenone, a compound that is toxic to the root rats as well as fish and some insects. Tephrosia is a deep-rooted, perennial leguminous shrub indigenous to Uganda; in Lusoga and Luganda, it is known as muluku.