Browsing by Author "Kesawat, Mahipal S."

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    High-throughput sequencing analysis reveals Moroccan Watermelon Mosaic Virus and Tobacco Streak Virus isolates infecting pumpkins in Uganda
    (CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 2025-08-01) Masika, Fred Bwayo; Tugume, Arthur K.; Kesawat, Mahipal S.; Shimelis, Hussein; Ddamulira, Gabriel; Athman, Shahasi Y.; Ipulet, Perpetua; Alicai, Titus
    Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a globally cultivated, economically significant cucurbit species, yet viral diseases pose a major threat to its yield and quality, especially in key production areas such as Uganda. To investigate and document viruses affecting pumpkins in Uganda, we assessed the sub-regional severity of virus-like diseases and identified pumpkin-infecting viruses using RNA sequencing. A total of 75 pumpkin leaf samples displaying typical viral symptoms were collected from 66 fields across Uganda. These samples were then pooled into five bulk groups, each consisting of 15 different plant leaves. Our analysis identified two viruses and detected six viruses, which were, however, not confirmed by another method. The two identified viruses were Moroccan Watermelon Mosaic Virus (MWMV) and Tobacco Streak Virus (TSV). This is the first report of MWMV and TSV infecting pumpkins in Uganda. The virus-like disease symptoms exhibited variations in sub-regional severity and incidence. These findings highlight the current viral diversity in pumpkins in Uganda, providing critical information for developing integrated disease management strategies to enhance crop yield and productivity.
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    Relative abundance, geographical distribution, and utilization of the edible wild black plum (Vitex doniana) in Uganda
    (Springer Nature, 2025-08-04) Caku, Jimmy; Kesawat, Mahipal S.; Ddamulira, Gabriel; Masika, Fred Bwayo
    Wild edible plants play a crucial role in food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustaining rural livelihoods. Vitex doniana, though widely distributed, remains an underutilized species with significant ecological, economic, and medicinal value. Despite its adaptability across diverse ecosystems, its population in Uganda faces increasing threats from human activities. In addition, the lack of comprehensive data on its abundance and distribution hampers conservation efforts, posing a risk to the plant’s genetic diversity. Ecological and ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Uganda, Koboko district, to assess the abundance, utilization, and distribution of V. doniana. A total of six line transects and 18 quadrats (three alternating quadrats (50 m × 100 m) with 25 m spacing between quadrats per line transect) were used for data collection. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on the utilisation of V. doniana from 144 respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests in SPSS. Results indicated a higher relative abundance of young regenerating trees (74.0%) than mature trees (26.0%). The distribution of V. doniana across different land-use types showed a statistically significant variation (χ² = 7.17, df = 2, p = 0.028). The local community utilizes the tree for fruit harvesting, firewood, charcoal production, and construction purposes. To ensure the sustainable use of V. doniana, community by-laws, awareness, controlled harvesting, and agroforestry practices should be embraced.