This is one of a series of articles about the 20 research projects for which CONNECTED provided pump-prime funding. A full set of articles about all 20 projects can be found here.

Identification of vectors transmitting viruses in tomatoIdentification of vectors transmitting viruses in tomato in Uganda

A project assessing the prevalence of viruses which destroy Ugandan tomato crops

Tomato is an important cash crop for commercial and small-scale farmers in Uganda. Insects cause severe crop losses by directly feeding on the plants, and by transmitting viruses which cause plant disease.

In tackling this, it is essential to identify the insect vectors and the viruses they transmit, in order to develop sustainable management strategies for tomato crops

The viruses include:

  • Tomato leaf curl virus
  • Tomato mosaic virus
  • Tomato spotted wilt virus

This project is sampling both insect vectors and tomato plants to assess the current prevalence of these viruses and other as yet unidentified viruses.

Countries

  • Uganda
  • UK

International research collaboration

  • Makerere University, Uganda
  • University of Cambridge, UK

People

  • Mildred Ochwo-Ssemakula (PI)
  • John Carr
  • Alexandra Marie Murphy

Network members can find further details about those involved in the project by logging in to this site as a member, and using theĀ Member Directory.

To become a network member free of charge, use this link.