PhD Graduands September 2022

Virus disease symptoms are frequent in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) fields in Zambia, but information is scanty about the identities, distribution and genetic diversities of causal pathogens. This study was conducted to fill this knowledge gap. Surveys were conducted in 128 common bean fields across six provinces of Zambia located in agro-ecological zones (AEZs) II and III. In total, 640 leaf samples were collected for virus diagnoses.

The genus Brachiaria remains a favourite forage for Sub-Saharan Africa due to different traits. However, diseases were reported as one of the major constraints of Brachiaria production worldwide. The general objective of the study was to increase livestock productivity and improve income of farmers. The study analysed the effect of seasons on distribution, disease incidence and severity of Brachiaria grass diseases.