Disease prevalence and shade tree diversity in smallholder cocoa farms: case study Bundibugyo district, Western Uganda

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing the impact of different cocoa Agro forestry systems on disease prevalence and yield on small holder farmers in Bundibugyo district. The specific objectives of the study were to compare the prevalence of cocoa diseases under different Agro forestry systems and to compare yield traits of cocoa beans in different cocoa Agro forestry systems The target population was 120 respondents and a sample size of 92 respondents guided by Yamanne, (1967), the sample was selected using SRS and purposive sampling as the sampling techniques. The questionnaire was pre-tested using a selected group of respondents from the target population to ensure reliability and validity of the questions and responses. All data were coded and analysis was carried using descriptive statistics where statistical package SPSS was used to obtain chi squared test values of perceptions from respondents. Data was presented in tables to help simplify analysis and analysis was mainly done using descriptive analysis to obtain chi squared values and the level of significance was at 95% Association between Black pod disease and shade diversity was non-significant. It was established that incidence of black pod rot disease was non-significantly associated with presence of all shade tree species; association between witch’s broom disease incidence with presence of Maesopsis eminiiwas highly significant (χ2= 55.41, (p<0.05); Association between witch’s broom and presence of Persea Americana (χ2=9.79), (p<0.05), Eucalyptus globulus (χ2=16.71), (p<0.05),Markhamia obtusifolia (χ2=3.95), (p<0.001), schefflera actinophylla (χ2=4.32), (p<0.001), Mangifera indica (χ2=6.46), (p<0.001) was significant though these trees were planted in small numbers. Association between frosty rot disease incidence with presence of Maesopsis eminii was highly significant(χ2= 25.90), (p<0.05). there was a significant association between frosty with presence of Eucalyptus globulus (χ2=6.76), (p<0.05);Mangifera indica (χ2=4.85), (p<0.001); though these trees were planted in small numbers. There was a highly significant association between swollen shoot virus with presence of Maesopsis eminii (χ2= 31.55), (p<0.05), and Cinnamomum tamala (χ2= 19.22), (p<0.05).Association between die back disease incidence with presence of Maesopsis eminii was highly significant (χ2= 52.73), (p<0.05). The study concluded that diseases have a significant association with shade tree diversity. This study recommended that small holder farms should adopt pruning, clearing of gardens and wedding as management strategies for controlling against pests and diseases. Further recommends that in a bid to improve the yield traits of cocoa beans, appropriate and good shade tree species should be adopted.