Development of a long term strategy based on genetic resistance and agroecological approaches against coffee wilt disease in africa.

Objective

Coffee Wilt Disease (CWD) caused by Fusarium xylarioides Stey. mainly affects Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre) from DRC to Uganda and Tanzania. It is currently the major biotic constraint of Robust growing in these countries, as it used to be in Central and West Africa in the 1950's. and unlike many other coffee diseases can cause rapid death of the trees. For many years it was regarded as a minor disease following major programmes of replanting with tolerant varieties and comprehensive sanitation measures. It would appear that varieties previously considered resistant to the disease now appear to be susceptible. In that context, and taking into account the subsistence systems prevailing in Africa, durable genetic resistance is the most suitable control method. The general objective of the project is thus to develop a strategy for durable resistance in agrosystems prevailing in Africa. The project aims at securing a better knowledge of the disease and of the host/pathogen interactions, both in the field and under laboratory conditions.

Programme(s)

• FP5-INCO 2 - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Confirming the international role of Community research,1998-2002"

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

CENTRE DE COOPERATION INTERNATIONALE EN RECHERCHE AGRONOMIQUE POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT - CIRAD

Address

Avenue Agropolis
34032 Montpellier
France

Participants (4)

CAB INTERNATIONAL

United Kingdom

Address

Bakeham Lane
TW20 9TY Egham,surrey

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH ORGANIZATION

Uganda

Address

Mukono

UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN

Belgium

Address

Place Croix Du Sud 2/4
1348 Louvain-la-neuve

UNIVERSITE DE KINSHASA

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Address

Campus Universitaire De Kinshasa
KIN XI Kinshasa