Effects of Powdery Mildew ( Leveillula Taurica and Erysiphe Polygoni ) on Yield and Yield Components of Fenugreek in the Mid-Altitudes of Bale, South Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is one of the most important seed spice crops in Ethiopia in general and in the mid-altitudes of Bale in particular. Powdery mildew caused by Leveillula taurica and Erysiphe polygoni is a common disease of fenugreek in the mid-altitudes of Bale. To determine the effects of this disease on yield and yield components of the crop, a field experiment was conducted using an improved variety, Hunda’ol, at Goro research site of Sinana Agricultural Research Center, south eastern Ethiopia. Four different spray intervals of a systemic fungicide, Lunar sensation (Fluopyram 250 g/L+ Trifloxystrobin 250 g/L), were used to create different levels of powdery mildew severity. The plots were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. There was severe powdery mildew development on plants in the unsprayed plots. The disease had significant effect on two of the yield parameters, number of seeds per pod and thousand seed weight. It inflicted the total yield loss up to 40%. Hence, application of control measure to minimize this loss is necessary. Resistant varieties are cultural tools that could be used for the management diseases of several crops. However, so far there is no powdery mildew resistant fenugreek variety released in this country. Fungicides can be used to effective control of this disease. The present study revealed that powdery mildew of fenugreek can be controlled by applying lunar sensation twice between 21-days starting from the onset of the disease.