Prevalence of Yellow Rust at Minjar, Basonawarena and Moretenajihur District of North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Stripe (Yellow) rust caused by <i>Puccinia striiformis</i> f.sp. <i>tritici</i> (<i>Pst</i>) is important wheat diseases causing serious damage on cultivated wheat variety. The wheat yellow rust assessment was conducted in the main rainy season of 2018/19 at Minjar, Basonawarena and Moretnajihur using “Z” method of diseases assessment. Disease and agro-eological data were recorded. The disease was prevalent at all districts by varying incidence and severity ranges. The highest Yr prevalence 100% was recorded at Moretenajihur districts: conversely; the lowest prevalence percentage 16.67% was at Minjar district. The highest severity and incidence of yellow rust 40-100% and 10-40%, respectively was recorded at Moretenajihur with MS to S reaction; while the lowest severity and incidence (0-15% and 0-5%) respectively was recorded at Minjar with reaction of MS. Factors such as wheat variety, growth stage and agro-ecological variations have contributions for the distributions and occurrence of yellow rust. Highest yellow rust incidence ranges 100% S on field cultivated with bread wheat on variety kakaba and Kubsa at growth stage of Milk to matured stage. Local cultivar has shown lowest incidence and severity percentage with moderately susceptible responses than improved varieties.