Challenges, Opprtunities and Management of Faba Bean Chocolate Spot (<i>Botrytis Fabae</i> Sard.) Disease in Ethiopia: Review

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Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a vital pulse crop globally, with significant importance in Ethiopia. However, its production is threatened by various biotic stresses, particularly chocolate spot disease caused by Botrytis fabae Sard., which is one of the most damaging and prevalent diseases in the country. This review aims to assess the opportunities and challenges related to the management of chocolate spot epidemics and to explore the resistance potential of faba bean cultivars in Ethiopia. Chocolate spot disease can cause substantial yield losses, ranging from 34% to 67%, and its severity is influenced by cultivar susceptibility, environmental conditions, and agronomic practices. The disease's incidence varies across districts, years, growth stages, and climatic conditions, with more severe outbreaks occurring under favorable conditions such as high humidity and moderate temperatures. The disease tends to exacerbate as the plant progresses through its growth stages, especially when inoculum accumulation and its timing in relation to crop development align with conducive weather conditions. Key epidemiological components in the resistance of faba beans to chocolate spot include infection efficiency, the extent of visible symptoms, and the latent period of the pathogen. Effective management of this disease is crucial for maintaining faba bean production, and several strategies can help mitigate its impact. Late sowing, mixed cropping with cereal crops, the application of fungicides, and crop rotation have been identified as effective practices for reducing disease incidence and enhancing grain yield. Furthermore, an Integrated Disease Management (IDM) approach, combining these methods, provides a comprehensive solution to control chocolate spot and reduce its severity. This review underscores the importance of integrating multiple disease management strategies to safeguard faba bean production in Ethiopia, ensuring sustainable cultivation of this critical crop.