Abstract:
Napier grass commonly known as Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureurn) constitutes between 40 to 80% of the forages used by smallholder dairy farmers in Eastern and Central Africa region (ECA). The productivity of Napier grass is threatened by Napier stunt disease causing yield reduction of up to 100%. The disease is caused by Candidatus Phytop/asama oryzae and transmitted by leafhoppers, plant hoppers and psyllids.