Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Promoting cultivation of disease resistant native tree species as alternatives to the Botryospharia-disease susceptible Grevillea robusta in hot and dry areas of Kenya and Uganda.

Pays/Région : Kenya and Uganda.

Date : 1 January 2013–31 December 2015

Identifiant : 2012-06259_VR

Présentation
Tree health is of increasing importance in forestry and agroforestry in East Africa. We have identified a severe disease, caused by a group of four Botryosphaeria fungi, as a main factor limiting the sustainable cultivation of the popular tree species.

The fungi infect, in concert, and cause very severe and widespread disease on Grevillea robusta, Eucalyptus spp., Senna siamea and Azadiracta indica, all exotics in the region. The indigenous and drought resistant species, Melia volkensii seems resistant to the disease. The disease is most prevalent and severe in drylands. The complex nature of the disease poses interesting questions about the host-pathogen interactions, which require urgent attention. We aim to promote the use of disease resistant indigenous tree species in order to enhance sustainability of forestry and on-farm tree production in hot and dry areas. Tree species are being developed for drought tolerance in domestication programs in the region. We will examine the pathogenicity of the Botryosphaeria fungi to such tree species. It is important to identify tree species suited for drylands to increase the timber species for increased wood production, especially in the face of climate change predicted to aggravate aridity in the region. The project will consolidate collaboration of the project scientists and stakeholders through workshops and exchange visits. Skype and video conferences will be used to enhance project coordination and give quicker results.

Coordination : Swedish Research Council

Financement : Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Budget : 750,000 kr

Swecris project database