Browsing by Author "Kalkidan Wudu"

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    CHICKPEA WILT (FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM F. SP. CICERIS) INTENSITY IN NORTH SHOA, ETHIOPIA, AND EVALUATION OF CHICKPEA GENOTYPES AGAINST THE PATHOGEN
    (Hawassa University College of Agriculture, 2024) Kalkidan Wudu
    Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) is an important pulse crop in Ethiopia. However, chickpea Fusarium wilt (CFW) is the major constraint on its production. Thus, this study was designed with the following objectives: to assess the prevalence, incidence, and association of biophysical factors with CFW in North Shoa Ethiopia and evaluate chickpea genotypes against the pathogen. For this purpose, a field survey was conducted during the 2022 main growing season. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression model were used to analyze association of the disease with different biophysical factors. Fungal isolation was done out by placing small bits of infected root on PDA at Hawassa University Crop Protection Laboratory. Colony characteristic of the fungus were studied on PDA. The spores were obtained by growing the fungal pure culture on SNA. The pathogen was morphologically identified using appropriate identification manual. Sixteen chickpea genotypes were screened for their reaction to CFW under a lath house condition. The survey results revealed that CFW was prevalent in all the surveyed areas, with different levels of incidence. A higher CFW incidence (43.2%) was recorded at Siyadebrna-wayu district, while a lower (34.8%) CFW incidence was recorded at Ensaro district. High mean CFW incidence was recorded on chickpea sown late August (39.2), desi-type chickpea (39.7), fields previously sown with legumes (43.9),lower altitudes (40.3), pod setting stage (41.2) and weedy fields (45.8%). In the model, crop growth stage, district, previous crop, and weeding practice were significantly associated with FOC incidence. The highest (>38%) wilt incidence was highly associated with weedy fields. The fungal mycelia were white in color. The macro conidia were straight to slightly curve with three septa. While the micro conidia were oval and no septation, Based on these, the pathogen was identified as F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (FOC). Three chickpea genotypes (DZ-2012-CK-0312 followed by FLIP12-138c and ICCMABCD-21) were moderately resistant, while nine chickpea genotypes were susceptible. The result of the current study confirmed that CFW was highly prevalent in the study areas. Thus, designing effective CFW management options by targeting important biophysical factors that influence disease pressure and using chickpea varieties that have some degree of resistance to the disease is essential. It would be better to repeat the late house experiment for one or two times and further tests under field conditions to come up with sound recommendations.