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Uganda: Strange Disease Attacks Elephant Grass in Masaka
Kampala - ELEPHANT grass, sometimes called napier grass, is currently the backbone of the smallholder dairy industry in Uganda.

However, since 2001, farmers in Masaka district have reported a new disease affecting the grass, commonly called okugengewala (stunting disease). The disease is increasing in occurrence and severity.

Symptoms of the disease

Affected elephant grass plants remain stunted, have short internodes, bunchy appearances and produce low biomass yields, twisting along the mid-rib starting at leaf tips. The leaves are reduced to short sword-like stubs.

There is also twisting of leaf tips and leaves of some affected plants begin to dry at the edges and have 'torn' appearances and yellow/purple streaks at the tips. The colouring should not be confused with yellowing due to poor soils.

Affected plants may lose most of their leaves, leaving a short thickened stem and eventually the stool may be completely destroyed.

Scientific knowledge of the disease

-The disease is new to elephant grass and there is little information about it, including its name and cause. It is suspected to be caused by a germ similar to both bacteria and viruses. Scientists call this group of germs phytoplasm.

-National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) scientists and partners have started investigations to identify the cause of the disease as the first step in developing ways of controlling it.

-NARO is interested in knowing how widespread the problem is and how it spreads within a field and from one field to another.

-Report cases that you have seen to the nearest district agricultural officer, or veterinary officer.

What can you do in the meantime?

-Uproot and burn all affected plants to reduce the spread of the disease.

-Plant clean/uninfected materials. NARO will endeavour to establish mother gardens of clean planting materials in some of the most affected districts.

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