Status of major potato diseases and farmer perceptions in Rwanda

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important food and cash crop in most sub-Saharan (SSA) countries. Despite its popularity and surging demand, particularly among urban dwellers, potato production is generally low and decreasing in SSA, owing in part to various devastating diseases. This study aimed at assessing the intensity and distribution of major potato diseases on farms in major potato growing regions in Rwanda. A total of 120 samples of tubers and symptomatic leaves were collected from three districts, located at different altitudes, namely Kayonza (1443 - 1672 m.a.s.l), Nyamagabe (1824 - 2193 m.a.s.l) and Nyabihu (2209- 2696 m.a.s.l). The samples were used to identify and assess prevalence of diseases. Data on perceptions were collected on 148 potato farmers from the same districts, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Bacterial wilt was the most potato farmers damaging disease in the low and medium elevations, estimated at > 50% of the responders. On the other hand, late blight and viruses were the most prevalent in high elevation areas, estimated at 42 and 44% of respondents, respectively. The severity and incidence of viruses (PVS, PVX and PVY) and bacterial wilt were the most severe at the lowest elevation; but lowest at the highest elevation. Potato viruses, especially PVS, PVX and PVY; and bacterial wilt and late blight were confirmed to be the major potato diseases in Rwanda.