Groundnut rosette disease management

Groundnuts are a key crop in eastern Uganda, grown for both food and income. The major factor limiting production is groundnut rosette disease, a virus disease transmitted by aphids. This project built on previous CPP epidemiological research in Malawi which identified new sources of resistance to aphids and to rosette disease. Screening methodologies were developed to enhance the efficiency of groundnut improvement programmes. Working closely with researchers, agricultural extension agents, NGOs and farmers, the project’s ultimate aim was to to develop sustainable management strategies for groundnut rosette disease, based primarily on the use of improved groundnut varieties with durable resistance to pests and diseases. The availability of new, short-duration, disease-resistant groundnut varieties will assist a substantial number of smallholder farmers to increase their incom