Distribution and Status of Citrus Leaf and Fruit Spot (<i>Pseudocercospora angolensis</i>) Disease in North Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Citrus leaf and fruit spot incited by Pseudocercospora angolensis are one of the most serious production constraints of citrus production in North Western Ethiopia. Disease survey in 10 major citrus growing districts of North-Western Ethiopia was conducted, to indicate the importance of citrus leaf and fruit spot disease and its association with agro-ecological factors. The study was carried out during 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons. And in each cropping season based on availability, a total of 280 citrus trees (200 sweet oranges, 40 mandarins, and 40 lemons) in 20 orchards were randomly assessed. This study result showed that in most of the surveyed areas, leaf and fruit spot were the most prevalent and long-lasting disease of citrus. That is, among 10 studied districts in 8 of them (100%) disease prevalence, (87.25%) incidence and (24.43%) severity were computed. As a result, most citrus growers were practiced uprooting of their citrus trees and replacing them by other fruit crops (Mango and Avocado). Therefore, from the result of the present investigation to provide sustainable citrus fruit productivity and production in areas where citrus leaf and fruit spot disease is predominant and causes a devastating effect, integrated and sustainable citrus leaf and fruit spot disease management practices should be executed. Furthermore, in order to get full illustrates of the importance of the disease, it is useful to conduct related disease surveys in major citrus growing areas of the country.