Stanley Tamusange Nkalubo

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L). Kuntze) cultivation by smallholder out-growers has grown significantly. Recent government initiatives have expanded production from traditional tea growing regions. This study investigated how smallholder farmers perceive and prefer different commercial tea clones. It also looked at the factors that influence their choices across major tea-growing regions of Uganda. A structured questionnaire was administered to 324 randomly selected tea out-growers from Central, Western, Kigezi, and West Nile regions. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, a Tea Preference Index (rating clone attributes on a 1–5 scale), and a multivariate Probit (MVP) model to evaluate farmers’ choices and preferences. Clone 303/577 is the most cultivated, accounting for 59%. Adoption rates were high in West Nile (98%), Kigezi (77%), and Central (67%) regions. Clone 6/8 ranked second at 47%, while clone 100/5 had the lowest cultivation rate at 10%. The ranking of clones by preference was 303/577, 6/8, 108/82, 31/8, and 100/5. Key attributes influencing preferences included, yield potential, canopy width, post-plucking/pruning recovery rate, shoot tenderness and cup quality. Results showed that a farmers’ choice of clone 303/577 was significantly influenced by shoot density, gender and tea farming experience. For clone 108/82, the most important factors were quick recovery after plucking/pruning, education level and household size. This information is vital for agricultural policy, extension services, tea breeding and genetic improvement programs in the tea sector.

The bean leaf beetle (BLB) (Ootheca spp.) is a polyphagous pest causing significant yield losses in Uganda, particularly in the Northern and Eastern regions on various hosts plants. Despite its polyphagous behaviour, the BLB exhibits preferential feeding, offering an opportunity for targeted pest management. This study explored its feeding preferences across seven crops: common bean, cowpea, greengram, okra, roselle (malakwang), groundnuts, and soybean. This study was conducted in Arua and Lira districts using a randomized complete block design for two rainy seasons (2018A and 2018B). The results showed significant differences in BLB abundance and foliar damage among host crops, locations, days after planting and seasons. Cowpea was the most preferred crop while groundnuts was the least preferred. Therefore, cowpea can be recommended for use as a trap for managing Ootheca spp. in gardens where it is not the main crop. There was a higher pest abundance in Arua than in Lira. There was also a higher pest abundance in 2018A than in 2018B. These findings highlight the importance of understanding BLB’s feeding preferences for implementing effective IPM strategies, emphasizing the potential role of trap cropping, especially with cowpea, to minimize BLB damage in resource-constrained agricultural settings.

Developing common bean genotypes that possess short cooking time and good traits for canning is very key in accelerating bean consumption among both the urban poor and the middle class population. With the objective of assessing the genotypic variability and with Genome wide association studies (GWAS) identify SNP markers associated with the two traits, 250 common bean accessions were evaluated using alpha lattice design with two replications and two seasons. Three months post-harvest, the bean grains were evaluated for the two traits. Analysis from mixed models revealed significant variation for both traits among the 250 accessions tested. Cooking time ranged from 51.56 to 215 minutes, with 11 genotypes cooking in less than 60 minutes and total canning quality score ranged from 41.3 to 84% with 31 genotypes scoring 76% and above. GWAS conducted on 217genotypes revealed a total of 47 significant marker trait associations for the two traits; on chromosome Pv01 for cooking time(CT) and washed drain coefficient (WDC), viscosity, WDC, washed drain solids(WDS), splitting and hydration coefficient(HC) on chromosome Pv02, WDS, HC, free starch(FS) and splitting on Pv03, CT, WDC and WDS on Pv04, viscosity, splitting, FS, colour and CT on Pv05. Clumping on Pv06, visual appeal, colour and viscosity on Pv07, visual appeal, clumping, splitting and WDC on Pv08, clumping, viscosity, FS and on Pv09, colour, FS, WDS and clumping on Pv010, CT, FS, clumping, viscosity and WDS on Pv011. Possible candidate genes including; phvul.007G2803001 and Phvul.007G280700.2 both on chromosome 7 and Phvul.005G161200.1 on chromosome 5, all associated with seed coat colour were identified. Besides their usefulness in breeding research, these studies identified genotypes whose shorter cooking time and good canning quality traits could benefit the consumption and processing industries.

Bean leaf beetles (BLBs) (Ootheca spp.) are serious legume pests in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa, but their ecology is not well understood. We planted host plants, viz., common bean, cowpea, and soybean, in an experiment in the hotspot areas of Arua and Lira districts in Northern Uganda in order to assess their influence on the density of adults and immature stages of BLBs in different seasons. Overall, the number of adults, larvae, and pupae were higher in cowpea than common bean and soybean plots. The number of adults were highest in cowpea (29.5 adults/15 plants) in Arua during the long rainy season (2018A). The number of adults did not differ significantly during short rains (season B) in 2017 and 2018. Similarly, in Lira district, the highest number of adult BLBs was in cowpea (4.6 beetles) compared to the common bean (2.7 beetles) and soybean plots, with a peak at four weeks after planting (WAP). During 2018A, larvae of BLBs first appeared at five WAP and seven WAP and peaked at 13 WAP and 11 WAP in Arua and Lira, respectively. The pupae were present in the soil after the harvesting of crops during 2018A, but peaked at seven WAP and eight WAP in 2018B season in Arua and Lira, respectively. The occurrence of below-ground adults in 2018B followed the peak abundance of pupae, although this was delayed until six WAP in Arua compared to Lira. We conclude that cowpea is the most preferred by adults and larvae compared to common bean and soybean. Similarly, the first rain season (2018A) attracted higher abundance and damage than the second rain season. Management of the BLBs should thus take into consideration avoidance of host crop rotation and dealing with the below-ground stages.

Bean leaf beetles (Ootheca spp.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are one of Africa’s most important pests of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Roots, leaves, floral parts, and young pods are all attacked, leading to a considerable loss in grain yield. In Uganda, there are no comprehensive prescribed management strategies for bean leaf beetles, but farmers typically try to control the pest by delaying bean crop sowing, and to a lesser extent, using insecticides. Although farmers have consistently implemented the two approaches, there is no information on the effects of the approaches in Uganda. To assess the impact of planting timing and insecticide spray regimes on bean leaf beetle populations, concomitant foliar damage, and grain yield, we set up trials in three agro-ecological zones with known presence of the beetles during the second rainy season of 2016 (2016) and the first rainy season of 2017 (2017). The first planting, coinciding with early planting, was conducted within one week after the onset of rains. The second planting, coinciding with mid planting, followed two weeks later, while the third planting, considered late planting in this study, was conducted one month after the second planting. A foliar application of cypermethrin commencing at 7 days after emergence (DAE), 14 DAE, 21 DAE, 28 DAE, and 35 DAE; a soil drench of imidacloprid at planting combined with a foliar spray starting at 7 DAE; and an untreated control were among the insecticide spray regimes evaluated. Higher bean leaf beetle abundance was recorded from mid-planting, while higher foliar damage was recorded from late planting in two of the three agro-ecological zones. However, higher marketable grain yield was recorded from early planting in all agro-ecological zones, suggesting that delayed planting may not be beneficial. Insecticide application reduced foliar damage and increased marketable grain yield, with a combination of soil drench and foliar spray resulting in much less foliar damage and, as a result, higher grain yield. However, this did not result in economic benefits. Furthermore, marketable grain yield was higher when insecticide spray regimes were combined with early planting in all agro-ecological zones during both seasons. Our findings suggest that the common bean should be planted early and that the control of the bean leaf beetle should target both the adults and the juvenile stages in the soil. Therefore, there is a need for farmers to be able to access less-expensive soil treatments.

Bean leaf beetle (BLB) (Ootheca mutabilis) has emerged as an important bean pest in Uganda, leading to devastating crop losses. There is limited information on the population genetic structure of BLB despite its importance. In this study, novel microsatellite DNA markers and the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene sequences were used to analyze the spatial population genetic structure, genetic differentiation and haplotype diversity of 86 O. mutabilis samples from 16 (districts) populations. We identified 19,356 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) (mono, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexa-nucleotides) of which 81 di, tri and tetra-nucleotides were selected for primer synthesis. Five highly polymorphic SSR markers (4–21 alleles, heterozygosity 0.59–0.84, polymorphic information content (PIC) 50.13–83.14%) were used for this study. Analyses of the 16 O. mutabilis populations with these five novel SSRs found nearly all the genetic variation occurring within populations and there was no evidence of genetic differentiation detected for both types of markers. Also, there was no evidence of isolation by distance between geographical and genetic distances for SSR data and mtCOI data except in one agro-ecological zone for mtCOI data. Bayesian clustering identified a signature of admixture that suggests genetic contributions from two hypothetical ancestral genetic lineages for both types of markers, and the minimum-spanning haplotype network showed low differentiation in minor haplotypes from the most common haplotype with the most common haplotype occurring in all the 16 districts. A lack of genetic differentiation indicates unrestricted migrations between populations. This information will contribute to the design of BLB control strategies.

Leaf beetle (BLB) (Ootheca mutabilis) has emerged as an important bean pest in Uganda, leading to devastating crop losses. There is limited information on the population genetic structure of BLB despite their importance. In this study, novel microsatellite markers and the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene sequences were used to analyze the spatial population genetic structure, genetic differentiation, gene flow and haplotype diversity of 87 O. mutabilis samples from five populations. We identified 19,356 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) (mono, di, tri, tetra, penta, and hexa-nucleotides) of which 81 di, tri and tetra-nucleotides were selected for primer synthesis. Five highly polymorphic SSR markers (4-21 alleles, heterozygosi-ty 0.59-0.84, polymorphic information content (PIC) 50.13-83.14%) were used for this study. Analyses of the five O. mutabilis populations with these five novel SSRs found 89% of genetic variation occurring within individuals, 9% among individuals and 2% among populations. Genetic differentiation was low but significant for SSR and insignificant for mtCOI partial sequence data while gene flow was high across the populations. There was no evidence of isolation by distance between geographical and genetic distances. Bayesian clustering identified signature of admixture that suggests genetic contributions from two ancestral genetic lineages, and the median-joining haplotype network showed low differentiation of many different haplotypes from the most common haplotype. Low genetic differentiation and high gene flow indicates unrestricted migrations between populations. This information will contribute to the design of BLB control strategies.

Bean leaf beetles (Ootheca spp.) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are one of Africa’s most destructive pests of common bean and other leguminous crops. The beetles are widely distributed in Africa where they are estimated to cause annual crop yield losses of 116,400 tons of crop yields in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their importance, little is known about the distribution, relative abundance and damage caused by bean leaf beetles in Uganda. As a result, the development of effective management methods has been hampered. We conducted surveys in six key Ugandan agro-ecological zones to determine the species distribution and relative abundance of bean leaf beetles. Findings indicate that leaf beetles belonging to 12 genera are present, including members of the genera Afrophthalma Medvedev, 1980, Buphonella Jacoby, 1903, Chrysochrus Chevrolat in Dejean, 1836, Diacantha Dejean, 1845, Exosoma Jacoby, 1903, Lamprocopa Hincks, 1949, Lema Fabricius, 1798, Nisotra Baly, 1864, Neobarombiella Bolz and Wagner, 2012, Ootheca Dejean, 1935, Parasbecesta Laboissière, 1940, and Plagiodera Dejean, 1835. We identified only three species belonging to the genus Ootheca: O. mutabilis, O. proteus, and O. orientalis. Seventy percent of all the beetles collected were O. mutabilis and these were present in all agro-ecological zones studied. The Northern Moist Farmlands (21.9%), West Nile Farmlands (12.9%), Central Wooded Savanna (4.4%) and Southern and Eastern Lake Kyoga Basin (1.4%) were the only agro-ecological zones where O. proteus was found. Only one specimen of O. orientalis was found at a single site in the Central Wooded Savanna. The Northern Moist Farmlands had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher bean leaf beetle density than the West Nile Farmlands and Southwestern Highlands. Similarly, the Northern Moist Farmlands had the highest beetle foliar damage per plant (1.15 ± 0.05), while the Southwestern Highlands had the lowest (0.03 ± 0.02). We provide the first information on Ootheca species distribution, abundance and damage in Uganda. Our findings provide a foundation for assessing the importance of Ootheca spp. as common bean pests in Uganda.

The study was conducted to determine the role of training design and trainee characteristics in predicting the transfer of agronomic training among bean seed farmers in Uganda. Gender differences in levels of transfer were also studied. Data were from a sample survey of 300 respondents. Independent t‐tests and hierarchical multivariate regression were used to answer the specific issues of the study. Results showed transfer was generally high, with women having a significantly higher training transfer than men. Using the Learning Transfer System Inventory (LTSI) model, we identified factors relating to trainee characteristics – motivation to transfer, readiness to learn and performance self‐efficacy – that have shown a significant relationship with the transfer of training. We concluded by discussing potential implications for both theory and practice.

Common bean fresh pod is a niche market product consumed worldwide including in Eastern Africa region. It is more preferred to dry bean due to the fresh taste and ease to cook. A lot of research has been done on production and disposition of dry bean product; however, little information is available on production and marketing of fresh bean pod in Uganda. The general observation indicates wide consumption of fresh bean pods however, there is limited information on its entire value chain, yet, its value cannot be undermined. Based on this background, a reconnaissance study was undertaken in Mpigi district, a major fresh bean growing area and eight retailing markets within Uganda’s capital, Kampala, to understand the economic feasibility of fresh bean pod market. Using qualitative approaches, farmer and market analysis was conducted to explore and understand fresh bean market dynamics. The results show that there are over 10 varieties being sold for fresh pod, unstandardized weight measures are being used, and price variation of over 50%. Additionally, unsatisfied demand for fresh pod beans is 45%. The results indicate existence of a lucrative fresh pod market valued at more than USD 2.0 million within Kampala and suburbs. It was also revealed that production faces significant gaps in seed availability to ensure consistent quality supply to the market while at selling points, bronzing effect was a major challenge leading to product deterioration. Thus, interventions are needed to eliminate the existing production and marketing challenges for a sustainable fresh bean pod business.