Abstract:
Sisal yields the world’s natural strong fiber used to produce several industrial products and
boosts economy of many countries. However, sisal production is under threat due to bole rot
disease responsible for great loss in production areas. The aim of the study was to determine the
incidence (DI) and severity (DS) of bole rot disease in farmer’s sisal fields of Muheza district.
The assessment was done during dry and wet seasons in three wards, one estate and three small
scale farmers per ward obtained through systematic random sampling. Monthly weather data
(temperature, relative humidity, rainfall) were from Tanzania Meteorological Agency. Data were
transformed using arcsine square root and analysis of variance (ANOVA), means comparison for
disease parameters were performed using GenStat® version 16 Software. Means were compared
by Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% probability. ANOVA was used to check the effect of
altitude and season on disease parameters. Regression (R2) between climatic factors and disease
parameters was established and Student’s t-test was used to compare mean for (DI), (DS), and
disease intensity index (DII) for both seasons. The results revealed that, bole rot disease was
present in all surveyed wards with different intensity. DI, DS and DII were significantly different
(P < 0.05) amongst the surveyed wards in both seasons. For both seasons, Kigombe ward
recorded the highest DI, DS and DII while Tanganyika ward recorded the least. Plans are needed
to improve farmers’ access to improved disease-free planting materials and on the use of
integrated disease management practices.
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