Expert insight: combating Banana Bunchy Top Disease (BBTD) an interview with IITA's plant pathology

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. (2025). Expert insight: combating Banana Bunchy Top Disease (BBTD) an interview with IITA's plant pathology. Kasese, Uganda: IITA

From 3rd to 4th October 2024, 71 stakeholders, including 41 smallholder farmers from the districts of Bushenyi, Rubirizi, Bunyangabu and Kasese districts, staff from IITA, ASARECA, Plant Health Initiative, MAAIF, NARO, Extension Agents, and local policy makers gathered in Kasese district for a comprehensive 2-day learning experience about the emerging BBTD caused by the invasive Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV).

Field demonstrations on disease identification, sanitation, and control measures, farmer-to-farmer sharing of experiences and successes, expert presentations on BBTD biology, symptoms, and management, and interactive sessions on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, empowered farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills on BBTD symptoms and transmission, including how to recognize infected plants, the importance of early detection and removal of infected plants, disease prevention and management strategies and knowledge on clean planting materials. Farmers were also able to witness and appreciate the impact of BBTD through experience from farmers in Kasese.