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Coffee is generally stressed by several biotic constraints including insect pests, diseases, weeds, nematodes among others, due to its nature. In response, farmers use all sorts of pesticides so as to manage these problems. However, detailed studies to determine the types of pesticides used in the diverse Arabica coffee agro-ecologies of Uganda are yet to be conducted. This information is vital for guiding research, policy and other agendas on pesticide issues, since their misuse can cause serious negative effects on humans, livestock and environment. A questionnaire was therefore, administered to 325 households in the 3 major Arabica coffee growing regions of Uganda (Mt. Elgon, West Nile and southern), with the aim of determining which pesticides are commonly being used by farmers. The study specifically aimed at investigating which pesticides have been banned in Uganda but still being used by farmers in these Arabica coffee agro-ecologies. Results showed that pesticides use in the Arabica coffee growing regions of Uganda was limited, with only 23% of the farmers using them. The highest percentage of farmers (39%) using pesticides was recorded in the southern region, while the lowest percentage of farmers (11%) was observed in West Nile region. A total of 22 of pesticides namely, 13 insecticides (59%), 5 fungicides (23%) and 4 herbicides (18%) were being used by farmers. Most of the pesticides recorded (64%) belonged to class II chemicals which are defined as moderately hazardous. Farmers should, therefore, be encouraged to use these pesticides instead of the class I chemicals which are defined as highly hazardous. The commonest insecticide was cypermethrin, being used by 15.4% of the farmers, while mancozeb was the most common fungicide, used by 7.7%. On the other hand, glyphosate was the most commonly used herbicide, by 15.4% of the farmers. The study further revealed that three insecticides - carbofuran (Furadan 5), dichlorvos 100% (Lava 100% EC) and fenitrothion (Sumithion/Fenitrothion) and one herbicide, gramoxone (Paraquat), which were being used by farmers, have been banned from use in Uganda. However, none of the fungicides observed has been banned from use in Uganda. Thus, farmers in all coffee growing agro-ecologies should be educated on pesticide use particularly those that have been banned from use. This will reduce pesticide misuse, toxicity and exposure. Key words: Arabica-coffee-agro-ecologies, banned-pesticides, carbofuran, cypermethrin, dichlorvos, fenitrothin, glyphoshate, gramoxone, mancozeb, pesticide-use, INTRODUCTION Coffee remains the main cash crop of Uganda. It earned the country about US$370 million in the coffee year 2015/16 in exports [1]. The crop is grown by more [...]

Here, we report the first whole-genome assembly of a Fusarium xylarioides race pathogenic to robusta coffee in Uganda. It comprises 55,122,624 bases and 14,552 genes. Gene ontology analysis assigned 5,720 genes to biological processes, 4,545 genes to cellular components, and 6,021 genes to molecular function., (Copyright © 2019 Olal et al.)

Primary HepatoCellular Carcinoma (PHCC) has been strongly associated with HBV and HCV infections among other aetiological factors. However; do the patients still spread the viruses? This study involved forty one Nigerian adult patients with PHCC and 45 controls who were tested for HBsAg, HBeAg, Anti-HBe, Anti-HBs, anti-HCV IgM and IgG, anti-HDV and HDV antigen using ELISA. Statistical analysis was carried out with the student - t - test and Mc Nemar test at p < 0.05. The subjects consisted of male:female ratio of 3:1 for both the PHCC patients and controls. Evidence of exposure to hepatitis B, C and D viruses was detected in 95.1%, 44% and 0% of the patients respectively while the respective values of 24%, 11.1% and 0% were obtained for the controls. Indication for high (HBeAg) and low (anti HBe) HBV viral replication, and acute HBV infection were detected in 12.5%, 92.7% and 2.2% respectively among the patients while only 35.6% of the controls had low HBV viral replication. Acute and chronic infections of HCV were also found in 26.8% and 24.4% of the patients respectively compared to the respective values of 2.2% and 11.1% of the controls. Occult HBV infection occurred in equal proportions (11%) of both the patients (31.7%) and controls (35.6%). In conclusion, infectious HBV and HCV particles are present among Nigerian patients with PHCC while HDV infection is uncommon. Hence, safe medical care should be practised for all patients with PHCC while relatives should be screened for these viruses.