Temporal Dynamics of Napier Grass Stunt Disease as Influenced by Napier Grass Clones and Initial Inoculum

Abstract

Napier grass stunt disease (NGSD) is the main biotic factor limiting Napier grass production in the East African reg ion. Its management is, however, hampered by inadequate epidemiological information. This study determined the temporal spread of NGSD in Napier grass fields. A field experiment was setup at National Crops Resources Research Institute, Namulonge in Uganda to determine the influence of initial inoculum and clones on the spread of NSD in the field. The experiment was arranged in a randomized Complete Block Design and replicated 4 times. The initial inoculum levels used were 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% while the clon es included KW4, local/wild type and P99, respectively. Napier grass stunt disease incidence data was recorded at