Pomegranate farming is gaining popularity in Uganda due to the fruit’s high market value, nutritional benefits, and drought resistance.
However, like many fruit crops, pomegranates are vulnerable to several diseases that can greatly reduce yields and fruit quality if not addressed early.
Knowing how to identify, prevent, and manage these diseases is key to a healthy and productive orchard.
James Senyange, who grows pomegranates in Mukono district, says he first struggled with fungal infections, particularly leaf spot and fruit rot.
“At first, I didn’t know what was happening, leaves were falling off, and the fruits started rotting before harvest,” he recalls.
After consulting agricultural experts, Senyange learned that poor drainage and overcrowding were contributing factors.
“I started pruning regularly and improved spacing between trees. I also began using copper-based fungicides during wet seasons,” he adds.
Allan Nsubuga, an agronomist, explains that the most common diseases affecting pomegranates include Alternaria fruit rot, bacterial blight, and Cercospora leaf spot.
“These diseases often thrive in warm, humid conditions and poor sanitation practices,” he says.
To manage them, he advises farmers to;
- Ensure proper spacing and pruning for good air circulation.
- Avoid overhead irrigation, which can spread spores.
- Use disease-free planting material.
- Apply fungicides and bactericides as needed, especially during the rainy season.
He emphasises crop rotation, regular inspection, and removing infected parts to stop the spread.
By practising good orchard hygiene, using resistant varieties, and staying alert to early signs of disease, farmers like Senyange are now harvesting better-quality fruits and achieving higher profits. Prevention is more effective than cure, and with consistent care, pomegranate farming can be both sustainable and highly profitable.
