Researchers at Namulonge Crop Resources Research Institute are confident that they will soon release cassava varieties that are resistant to the Brown Streak Virus.
Dr. Chris Omongo one of the researchers at Naumulonge says that several cassava varieties are being tried in the field to determine their resistance against the Cassava Brown Streak Virus.
//Cue in iwe have done a lot of work #
Cue out#.. You must pat yourself on the back//
The Cassava Brown Streak Virus causes the tubers to rot and it's a big threat to the food security in the entire sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Omongo says that the Brown Streak Virus affects all cassava varieties that had earlier been developed to resist the cassava mosaic disease.
The Cassava Brown Streak Virus has already spread to about 39 districts in Uganda attacking over sixty percent of the crop in Busia, Mukono and parts of Gulu, Kitgum and Pader districts.
Dr. Omongo is cautioning NGOs and farmers groups to desist from transporting infected cassava cutting to districts where the virus has not been detected so as to check on its further spread.
