Abstract:
Banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) is one of the major constraints to banana production
in Uganda. A field screening experimentwas undertaken at Kawanda to determine the response of
18 hybrids to the banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar).Based on total cross-sectional
damage, results indicated that there was improved resistance to banana weevil in the hybrids
tested. Damage scores for all the tested hybrids were significantly different from the susceptible
check (Atwalira). Except M4, M5, M6 and M8, the rest of the hybrids showed significant difference
from the resistant cultivar (Yangambi KM 5). Data on mat disappearance showed that hybrids
were more stable than the susceptible check, while findings from weevil trap catches suggested
no relationship between attraction and weevil damage. Resultsshowed that some hybrids have
superior agronomic and yield characteristics, however due to high weevil infestation, the findings
of the study were not representative of maximum yield potential that may be achieved under good management practices.