Survey of Major Diseases on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Growing Areas of Ethiopia

Abstract

Medicinal and aromatic plants are industrial plant that are primarily used for therapeutic, aromatic and culinary purposes as components of cosmetics, medicinal products, health foods and other natural health products. Like other cereal crops, these potential medicinal and aromatic plants are constantly in grave danger from disease attack. The aim of this study was to assess the most prevalent diseases on prioritized medicinal and aromatic plants. Survey was conducted at Wondo Genet Agricultural research stations and herb growing companies in Ethiopia. Survey fields were observed from vegetative to maturity stage of the plant to assess the pest status. A total of 11 medicinal and aromatic plants were assessed in four different locations and these herbs were attacked by various diseases. Rust disease was the most serious problem on Aloe vera and Lemon grass, accounting for 30-40 percent of disease severity at Wondo Genet. In Butajira, powdery mildew was the most common disease found on sage, with a 20 percent severity. Downy mildew was recorded as a major disease on basil plants in Hawassa and Debre Zeit, with a 30-35 percent severity. Therefore, identification of the pathogen's causing agents and integrated disease management for the major recorded diseases of medicinal and aromatic plants needs further research.