Influence of soil conditions on severity of Fusarium wilt disease in banana cropping systems of Uganda

Abstract Background and Aims If there is no effective control for a plant disease it is essential to look for other solutions. This study analyzed the interactions between soil conditions and the severity of race 1 strains of Fusarium wilt disease in different banana cropping systems in Uganda. Methods A survey was conducted in three regions of Uganda. The severity of race 1 Fusarium wilt on susceptible bananas was studied in various banana cropping systems. Soil samples were collected in each of the cropping systems from the different regions for both laboratory soil analyses and pot experiments. Results There were considerable differences in the soil chemical and physical status at regional level. Cropping systems also exhibited significant differences in potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese contents in the soil. Soil properties were clearly correlated to the severity of race 1 strains of Fusarium wilt varied at different levels of the individual soil properties. Also soil types exhibited significant differences in their individual soil properties and severity of race 1 strains of Fusarium wilt disease. Similar results were also found in a pot experiment under controlled conditions. Conclusion Soil types with a high pH, high in potassium, calcium, available phosphorus and low in manganese and clay contents appear to be suppressive to race 1strain of Fusarium wilt in bananas.