April 1, 2013

 

 

A deadly corn disease, which was first reported in Kenya and Tanzania, has spread to Uganda.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture warned that Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) had been reported in some districts in eastern Uganda, particularly Busia and Tororo.

 

According to scientists, the disease can cause up to 100% crop loss. The spread is suspected to be caused by beetles, thrips and leaf hoppers.

 

"Uganda scientists are working in collaboration with International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre to find solutions to the disease," said Agriculture Research Organisation spokesman, Robert Anguzo.

 

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre is also working with the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (Kari) to develop corn varieties that are resistant to the disease.

 

MLN attacks all corn varieties.

 

Uganda is the only East African country whose corn output exceeds consumption. However, the threat from the disease means that any further spread will affect the region's food security, particularly in Kenya, where corn is a staple food.

 

Uganda produces about 2.7 million tonnes of corn a year against a demand of 1.5 million tonnes. The surplus is sold to South Sudan, Tanzania and Kenya.

 

Kari first reported the disease in September 2011 in Kenya's Bomet County in South Rift Valley. By mid 2012, the disease had spread to Narok and Naivasha areas.

 

In Tanzania, the disease was reported in Mwanza.

 

Agricultural officials fear that production volumes will dwindle if the disease is placed under control.

 

To break the disease cycle, farmers have been advised to practise crop rotation and ensure they ceased corn plantation for at least a year.

 

They have also been warned not to replant seeds from the previous harvest to help reduce the vector population.

 

Other recommendations of measures include weed control to eliminate the vector hosts, proper use of fertiliser and use of high quality seeds to boost production.