Abstract:

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important food and income generating crop for its growers.
The crop is also nutritionally rich in carbohydrates, vitamins (C and B), proteins, minerals
(potassium) among other nutritional components. In Uganda, potato has been recognized as a crop
with potential for nutrition security and income generation. Despite these benefits, average potato
yield (4.8 t/ha) in Uganda is still comparatively lower than attainable global average yield (30 to
40 t/ha), owing to several biotic and abiotic production constraints. A study was conducted to
establish the status of potato pests and diseases in north eastern and south western Uganda to
include districts such as Mbale, Namisindwa, Kween, Kapchorwa and Kabale, Rubanda, Kisoro,
respectively. The study was aimed at assessing the incidence and prevalence of key pests and
diseases affecting potato in Uganda, with special emphasis on potato cyst nematode. Several pests
and diseases including leaf miner flies, aphids, potato tuber moths, whiteflies, viruses, several
nematode species, bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacaerum), and Fusarium spp. were observed to
be affecting potato