Distribution of Major Tef Diseases in Central Highland Area of Ethiopia

Abstract

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter), is the major Ethiopian cereal crop which feed peoples The prevalence and damage inflicted by diseases and insect pests varies from region to region and shows large seasonal variation, the current status of diseases is generally little known. Information on the prevalence and status of diseases would be essential to devise sound management options. So, our objective is to assess the status of major tef foliar diseases in central highland area of Ethiopia. Assessment was carried in the major tef producing districts of West Shewa, South-west and North shewa zones of Ethiopia. The assessment done in 2019/2020 main cropping season along the main roads and accessible routes in each survey district, and stops made at every 5-10 km intervals based on vehicles odometers as per tef fields available. We have assessed 35 fields which have the potential to produce tef from three zones. From our assessment the major tef foliar diseases recorded were leaf rust, head smudge and spot blotch. The highest tef leaf rust severity (90S) recorded in north shewa zone Mendida district where as the lowest (0%) recorded in Awaro, Asgori, woliso and Dendi districts from South west shewa zone. The highest head smudge severity recorded in west shewa zone liben jawe district where as the lowest head smudge severity recorded in woliso, wolimera and tokekutaye district. There is no head smudge disease recorded in north shewa zone. From our assessment, we have concluded that tef leaf rust and head smudge are the most economically important diseases. Therefore, it is very crucial to develop management option to mitigate those diseases.