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Influence of shade systems on spatial distribution and infestation of the Black Coffee Twig Borer on coffee in Uganda


GH Kagezi
P Kucel
J Kobusingye
L Nakibuule
R Wekhaso
G Ahumuza
P Musoli
A Kangire

Abstract

Studies were conducted to determine spatial distribution and effects of shade systems on Xylosandrus compactus infestation on coffee. Number of twigs varied significantly (p<.0001) within canopy portions with the highest (17.7±6.1) in upper and least (9.1±4.6) in lower portions. Percentage of infested twigs and number of X. compactus entry holes varied significantly (P<.0001) within canopy and along twigs respectively. The highest percentage of infested twigs (10.7±15.9%) was in the middle whereas, the lowest (3.2±7.2%) in upper portion. The highest number of entry holes (0.9±0.7) was on basal and the lowest (0.3±0.6) on tip section of twigs. Tunneling by X. compactus was neither inclined towards base nor the tips of twigs. Percentage canopy cover varied significantly (P=0.0276) across shade tree species; with highest (60.0±26.5%) on jackfruit tree and the lowest (11.7±7.6%) on Chinese silk tree.  Percentage of infested trees and twigs varied but not significantly (P<0.05) across shade categories and tree species. Coffee under full shade had the highest percentage of infested trees (70.8±27.8%) and twigs (14.8±18.3%); whereas, coffee under full sun registered the lowest (45.8±17.3 and 5.7±9.1% respectively). However, ANCOVA showed that shade and percentage canopy cover of Albizia, jackfruit and mango tree species had a significant (at P<0.05) positive influence on X. compactus infestation. The highest percentage of infested trees (77.8%) and twigs (15.7%) were observed on coffee under Ficus natalensis; whereas coffee under Maesopsis eminii had the lowest (44.4% and 1.5% respectively). These studies provided vital preliminary ecological information for designing and implementing appropriate management strategies for X. compactus.

Key words: Black-coffee-twig-borer, coffee-tree-canopy, damage, shade-tree-systems,  Xylosandrouscompactus


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eISSN: 2410-6909
print ISSN: 1026-0919