Efficacy of Bugatti fungicide on the control of coffee berry disease in arabica coffee grown in mt. Elgon region.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
Coffee Berry Disease (CBD), caused by Colletotrichum kahawae, is one of the major constraints to Arabica coffee production in the highland areas of Uganda, including the Mt. Elgon region. The disease causes premature berry drop, mummification and deterioration of coffee quality, resulting in significant yield losses. This study evaluated the efficacy of Bugati fungicide at different application rates for the management of CBD. It determined its effect on CBD incidence and severity, and coffee yield and bean quality under field conditions in Bulambuli District, Mt. Elgon region. The experiment was conducted during the 2025/26 production season using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and five treatments: untreated control, Bugati at 5 ml/20 L, 10 ml/20 L and 15 ml/20 L of water, and Efficient at 30 ml/20 L as a positive control. Data generated was analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at 5% probability level. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.001) among treatments in CBD incidence, severity, AUDPC, bean quality and yield. Bugati at 15 ml/20 L recorded the lowest CBD incidence (10.07%), berry disease severity (8.71%) and AUDPC (260.33), compared with 37.32%, 22.32% and 485.33, respectively, in the untreated control. Bugati at 15 ml/20 L also recorded the highest marketable berry percentage (95.00%), total fresh weight (3.775 kg), total dry weight (0.774 kg) and yield (1,238.47 kg ha⁻¹). These were comparable with Efficient at 30 ml/20 L that resulted in a yield of 1,177.20 kg ha⁻¹. Disease pressure in terms of AUDPC (r = - 0.866, p= <0.001) and CBD incidence (r = -0.813, p= <0.001). The study showed that Bugati effectively suppressed Coffee Berry Disease and improved coffee yield and bean quality. Bugati at 15 ml/20 L provided the most effective effect on management of the disease and could be recommended. However, further evaluation across different locations and production seasons is recommended before making broader regional recommendation.
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Undergraduate research report
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Citation
Ongwali, J. (2026). Efficacy of Bugatti fungicide on the control of coffee berry disease in arabica coffee grown in mt. Elgon region. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.