Abstract:

Fusarium wilt of bananas (Panama disease), caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysponma Schlecht f.sp. cubense (E.F.Smith) & Hans is a serious disease occurring virtually in every banana-growing area. In Uganda, it severely affects important exotic bananas (Bogoya, Kayinja, Kisubi and apple bananas). The most effective control method for the disease is use of resistant cultivars. The objective of this study was to evaluate recently imported germ plasm for resistance to the disease and consumer acceptability. Twenty two cultivars, including reference cultivars for different races of FOC, were planted in a farmer's field at Kichwamba, Bushenyi district and were completely randomized in each of the 15 replicates. Data was taken on: disease severity/incidence, yield and consumer acceptability for the promising ones. Seventeen cultivars, five of which yielded higher than or similarly to Bogoya were resistant or tolerant and Susceptible cultivars. Consumer acceptability tests suggested FHlA 17 and Cavendish were as good as Bogoya (local check), FIDA 23 and KMS were slightly acceptable as desserts. FillA 17, FHIA 23 and Cavendish appear appropriate replacements for the susceptible dessert bananas (e.g. Bogoya) but Cavendish should be tried in areas without black Sigatoka while KMS appears a suitable replacement for the juice bananas ( Kisubi and Kayinja).