Apron Star Research Articles

Assessment of Varietal Resistance and Fungicides on Management of Smut Disease of Sorghum in Central Tanzania

Sorghum smut disease caused by the fungus Sporisorium spp is one of the serious constrain on the productivity and quality of the sorghum grain yield especially in areas where farmers do not treat seeds before planting where grain yield loss of up to 80% is reported in different parts of the world. A Randomized Complete Block Design experiment was laid down to determine the relatively higher resistant sorghum variety and proper fungicide for management of smut disease in central Tanzania. The materials used in this experiment included some selected genotypes of sorghum (Wahi, Hakika, Macia, , Langalanga Gombela and one commercial variety). with different selected fungicides (Seed Watch 20WS, Apron Star WS 42% and Snow Angel W30% DS). Results revealed that, there was high significant difference among sorghum varieties tested (P< 0.05) on disease incidence and severity whereby the lowest incidence and severity of 4.57% and 11.41% respectively were recorded on Commercial variety while highest incidence 22.18% and Severity 19.07% were in Langalanga landrace. Among fungicides the lowest disease incidence and severity (3.72 and 11.15 respectively) were observed on Apron stars fungicide (20% Metalaxyl-m, 20% Thiamethoxa and2% Difenoconazole) while the highest incidence (36.93%) and severity (26.68%) were recorded on control. From the present study, smut management using combination of improved sorghum varieties with the application of seed dressing fungicides especially with Metalaxyl-m, Thiamethoxam and Difenoconazole is recommended for use in central part of Tanzania.

Management of Covered Kernel Smut (Sporisorium sorghi) Disease of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) at Gabilley District in Somaliland

Sorghum is multi-purpose crop that plays an important role in the socio-economic life of farming communities in Somaliland. However its production and productivity is threatened due to Covered kernel smut disease. A field experiment was carried out at Aburin Agricultural Research Center at Gabilay district in Somaliland in order to identify management options for Covered kernel smut disease of sorghum. The experiment consisted of 12 factorial treatment combinations of three varieties (i.e., Faruryogele, Abadro and Kuso) and three types of seed treatments which includes synthetic and bio-fungicides (i.e., Apron star 42WS%, Cow urine, and Neem seed kernel extract) and including Untreated control, laid out in RCBD with three replications. Parameters such as disease incidence, disease severity, phenological data, grain yield (kg)/plot, actual grain yield/plot, 1000 grains weight (g) and yield loss (%) were collected. The experiment result showed that highest disease (44.0%) incidence was recorded on untreated Kuso variety while lowest disease (4.33%) incidence was Apron star with Abadiro. Similarly, the highest disease severity (37%) was scored from Untreated Abadiro whereas lowest disease severity (4%) was scored from Abadiro with Apron star and Faruryogele with Apron star. Untreated Abadiro variety reached highest AUDPC (1036.0% days). The Apron star treated varieties had the lowest AUDPC and consistently showing markedly low infection rates indicating that they were more effective to the disease relative to the other seed treatments. The highest yield (1896 kg ha-1) was recorded from Faruryogele with Apron star and lowest (933 kg ha-1) was recorded from untreated Abadiro and Faruryogele. So, Apron star was effective to reduce the yield loss of sorghum and could be recommended to manage sorghum covered kernel smut. However, the experiment should be repeated across different environments over years in order to give the right recommendations and its rate may need to be well defined.

Validation and Evaluation of the Existing Agronomic Practices for Chickpea Productivity around West Arsi Zone of Shashemene Wereda

The activity was conducted around Shashemene wereda of selected kebele in 2022/23 main cropping season, to validate and evaluate crop management (agronomic) practices for adopting chickpea production on the small holder farmer’s field. The study was conducted on selected farmer’s field, then training and awareness were created about the experiment before we established on selected host farmer’s field. The farmers handled all activities by their own local chickpea agronomic management practice on their own farm. However, the research recommended agronomic practice were carried out by the researchers. We already organized the field day two times i.e., at the time of sowing and while harvesting of chickpea. The participants were actively and seriously evaluated the difference between treatments (local farmers practice and research recommended agronomic practice). Producing of chickpea by row planting, NPS fertilizer application, apron star seed treatment and on time fungicide or insecticide application is much better than their local management practice. So, chickpea sown by recommended management practice has showed better performance. The recommended agronomic practice enables to obtained the maximum grain yield (2,030 kg ha-1 and 1,552 kg ha-1) from both Teketay and Natoli varieties respectively. The result of our economic analysis forced to conclude that, planting of chickpea with row spacing, fertilizer application, apron star seed treatment is more economical and advantageous than farmer’s local practice.

Effects of seed treatments and storage duration on Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and amaranth fresh leaf yield.

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a key insect pest of amaranth in East Africa. Pest management has been restricted to indiscriminate application of insecticides to foliage. Applying systemic insecticides to seeds has been shown to manage aphid infestations in other crop systems. We evaluated two commercially available seed treatments in East Africa, Apron Star (thiamethoxam 20 g/kg + metalaxyl-M 20 g/kg + difenoconazole 2 g/kg) and Menceron (imidacloprid 233 g/L + pencycuron 50 g/L + thiram 107 g/L) for their efficacy against M. persicae and impact on fresh leaf yield with two Amaranthus species, Amaranthus blitum (2 selections), Amaranthus hybridus (4 selections) and untreated control. Two storage periods (24 h and 3 months) with seed treatments were used. Each amaranth selection was treated individually with Apron and Monceren or untreated, and seeds were planted either 24 h or 3 months after treatment. Significant reduction in live aphids was observed with A. blitum and A. hybridus selections grown with seed treatment, at 6, 8 and 10 d after infestation (DAI) when compared with seeds grown without seed treatment. Untreated seeds of A. hybridus (selection 5) had significantly higher number of live aphids up to 243, greater percentage of damaged leaves and leaf damage score up to 84% and 64% respectively when compared with treated seeds of specific amaranth at 10 DAI. No significant difference was noted between seed treatment and storage time. Amaranth seeds treated with Monceren offered more protection against infestations of Myzus persicae than amaranth seeds treated with Apron under high tunnel experiments.

Emergence and Morphological Response of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Treated Nuts as Influenced by Some Fungicides on Young Seedlings

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) seedlings are attacked by fungi diseases such as damping off and seedling blight caused by fungi such as Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia spp. which can amount to about 60-65% loss in the nursery. Cashew nut seeds are majorly sown by farmers untreated. Fungicides have also been observed to delay seedling emergence and negatively influence morphological traits in some crops. This experiment aims at observing the effect of using fungicide seed dressings on cashew seedling emergence and morphology before transplanting. Medium cashew nut biotype and three commonly used fungicides were used. The 3 months experiment was set up in the nursery using a Completely Randomized Design CRD. The treatments are; Control + Medium (Ct); Apron Star + Medium (AS), Dress Force + Medium (DF) and Seed Care + Medium (SC). Topsoil filled perforated nursery polythene bags were used. No significant difference was identified in all morphological traits observed in the experiment among the treatments all through the duration of the experiment. From a maximum vigour scale of 5, Ct, AS and DF all had a seedling vigour of 4.7 while SC had 4.2. As a precautionary measure against fungi diseases, Apron Star, Dress Force and Seed Care have been observed not to have a negative effect on the emergence and growth of young cashew seedlings when nuts are treated with them before sowing.

Efficacy of insecticides against chickpea pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) at Sodo district Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Pod borer is a major insect pest constraining chickpea production at southern Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted at Sodo district with the objective to evaluate the efficacy of different insecticides for the control of pod borer of chickpea. The experiment was conducted using one chickpea variety; Habru and five insecticides Diaznon (1.2l/ha), Diamethoate (1L/ha), Apron star (600g with 500l of water ha-1), Endosulfan (250g/ha) and Karate (400ml/ha). The result revealed that all insecticides were effective against pod borer with difference on percent larval population reduction. The pod borer damage reduction by insecticides treatment ranged from 35.4% to 68.6% and 39.5% to 76.7% compared to that in control. Diaznon and karate resulted maximum seed yield 1561.20 kg/ha and 1498.90 kg/ha, in 2017 and 1391.40kg/ha,1421.29 kg/ha in 2019 respectively. The highest larval reduction was obtained from plot treated with insecticide Diaznon followed by insecticide Karate 5% EC 68.6%, 64% during 2017 cropping season respectively and in 2019 cropping season highest larval reduction was obtained from plot treated with insecticide Karate 5% EC 76.7% followed by Diaznon treated plot 67.2%.In both 2017 and 2019 experimentalyears better yield increment was recorded from Diaznon and Karate 5% EC treated plot. During 2017 cropping season the maximum yield increment was obtained from Diaznon treated plot 27.3% followed by Karate 24.2% and during 2019 cropping season Karate 5% EC treated plot 32.6% followed by Diaznon treated plot 31.2%. Thus chickpea growers in the area should prefer the insecticides Karate 5% EC and Diaznon in mixed up for better pod borer management.

Evaluations of Different Seed-Dressing Fungicides with Chickpea Varieties for the Management of Fusarium Wilt in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

The disease fusarium wilt is a serious and infectious year-round disease in chickpea-growing areas and causes huge chickpea yield losses. Thus, this research study was initiated with the objective of evaluating different seed-dressing fungicides with different chickpea varieties for the management of fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris) in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted in hot spot areas of two locations using the material: two moderately resistant and one local (susceptible check) chickpea varieties with three commercially available seed-dressing fungicides (Apron Star, Noble, and Thiram). Treatments were arranged factorially in the RCB design with three replications. Results depicted that moderately resistant Mitk variety has significantly reduced disease pressure and gives better yield as compared to Arerti and local chickpea varieties. Even the disease pressure of fusarium wilt was lower in the Mitk variety followed by Arerti, and hence, its incidence and area under the disease progress curve reveal 6.23% and 292.1%-day, which was far apart by 17% and 873%-day, respectively, from Arerti. In case of the local chickpea variety, it was highly infected and its seed yield (0.4 t/ha) was lowered almost by half from the Mitk variety. Despite seed-dressing fungicides showed insignificant difference in both incidence and area under the disease progress curve, Thiram seed-dressing fungicides followed by apron star on Mitk variety indicates reasonable yield increment in both locations. Hence, integration of Mitk chickpea variety with the corresponding Thiram seed-dressing fungicides followed by Apron Star was advisable to manage fusarium wilt disease.

English

Seed treatment presents an opportunity to boost bean productivity; however, the technology has not been widely tested in Kenya and the sub Saharan Africa region. An experiment was carried out at Kandara, Central Kenya to compare the effects of seed treatment applications on bean performance. The split-plot design experiment with three replicates included four seed treatment products: Apron Star, Seed Plus, Gro Plus and TriCoat applied at recommended and half recommended rates with two bean varieties as test crop. Split-plot ANOVA was implemented using Genstat and agricolae R procedures to compare the effects of seed treatment applications on aphid pest severity and bean performance parameters. Varietal performance differences to the seed treatment were observed with Nyota variety performing better than KATB1. Generally, Apron Star at recommended rates reported lowest pest incidences and consistent bean performance over the two cropping seasons. Consistent treatment effects were observed for recommended rates compared to half rate applications. Under favorable environmental conditions, use of the seed treatment products alone produced yields comparable to the fertilizer treatment. The benefits observed from use of seed treatment technology makes it a potentially sustainable strategy for improving productivity for cash strapped small-scale producers in the region. Key words: Common beans, Kenya, pests, productivity, seed-borne diseases, seed treatment.

Interplay of Rhizobial Inoculants and Fungicide on Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum) and Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L.) Nodulation and Seed Yield in Central Ethiopian Highland

Field and green house experiments were conducted on faba bean and chickpea during 2016-2017 to investigate the effect of fungicides and rhizobial inoculant interaction on nodulation and biomass accumulation of chickpea under Vertisol condition and (ii) faba bean under Nitisol condition. Chickpea seed was treated with Apron Star, Imidalm and both, and co-dressed with EAL-029 rhizobia simultaneously or a week later. Likewise, in one of the two sets, faba bean seed was treated with Apron Star and simultaneously dressed with FB-1017 or FB-1035 rhizobial strain. The other set had the same strains as pre inoculant and sprayed with Mancozeb at 30th day after sowing. Sole inoculants and N (faba bean) were used as check. The application rates of Apron Star, Imidalm, and inoculant were 2.5, 0.75, and 3.12 g kg-1 of seed while for Mancozeb is 2.5kg/ha. All treatments were replicated 4x and laid in RCB design. The result generally depicted that Apron Star application was compatible to EAL-029 rhizobia on chickpea. Staggered dressing of Apron Star and EAL-029 had better chickpea shoot dry matter accumulation. With regards to faba bean, co-dressing of Apron Star with FB-1017 or FB-1035 produced the highest nodulation. This confirmed the synergy of Apron Star with FB-1017 on Nitisol of central high land of Ethiopia. Moreover, spraying mancozeb on the 30th day after sowing to FB-1017 or FB-1035 preinoculated faba bean plant showed enhanced seed yield on Nitisol.

Lead-farmer extension and smallholder valuation of new agricultural technologies in Tanzania

Encouraging the widespread adoption and use of new on-farm technologies is an important part of productivity-led strategies to promote agricultural transformation. While many interventions have been designed to promote adoption through extension and education, little is known about how these efforts influence farmer willingness-to-pay (WTP) for new technologies. We use a Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) mechanism to elicit farmer WTP for two improved seed varieties and a new seed treatment product, Apron Star, under two different lead-farmer extension treatments in Tanzania: (i) a demonstration plot showcasing the technologies within a village; and (ii) a demonstration plot coupled with distribution of trial packs enabling some farmers to test the technologies on their own land. In the BDM, farmers were presented with six products – the two bean varieties: without Apron Star, with Apron Star already applied, and with a sachet of Apron Star for the farmer to treat the seed him/herself. Our results suggest that neither extension treatment significantly affects WTP for these technologies. However, we find that farmers are willing to pay more for seed that is pre-treated with Apron Star than for seed bundled with a sachet of Apron Star for self-treatment.

Evaluation of Fungicides for the Management of Garlic White Rot (Sclerotium cepivorum) at Debre Berhan, Central Ethiopia

Garlic is one of the most important crops widely cultivated throughout the world including Ethiopia. It is the second most widely cultivated Allium species next to onion. The production of the crop is majorly threatened by fungal diseases. White rot of garlic caused by Sclerotium cepivorum, is the most devastating constraint in Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fungicide types on incidence and severity of garlic white rot, yield and yield components of garlic and to identify the effective method of fungicides application under rain fed supplemented with irrigation at Debre Berhan University Research site in 2017/18 .The experiment was consisted of three types of fungicides (Apron star, MORE 720 WP and Mancozeb) with three methods of application (clove, clove plus foliar and foliar). The experiment was laid out as RCBD in a factorial arrangement with three replications. Fungicide types and methods of application significantly affected disease incidence, percentage of disease severity, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), yield and yield components. Clove and clove plus foliar applied Apron star was the most effective in reducing the disease epidemics and gave better yield advantage. Clove applied Apron star has reduced the initial severity, final severity and incidence by 64.7%, 70.9% and 80.6% respectively, as compared to the untreated plots. About 63.6% and 51.9% increment of average bulb weight and yield were recorded in clove applied Apron star respectively, as compared to the untreated plots. The highest net return (35,350 birr) was obtained from clove applied Apron star plots, while the lowest net return (2350 birr) was obtained from foliar applied Apron star plots. Hence, it could be concluded that clove applied with Apron star needs to use for the disease management in the study area

Seed Health, Quality Test, and Control of Seed-borne Fungi of Some Improved and Local Cultivars of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria


 
 
 This research was carried out to evaluate the health and quality of rice seed. The germination of seed and presence of rice seed related fungi were recorded and used to evaluate the effect of seed dressing chemicals on germination and vigor index over untreated rice seeds. Seven cultivars commonly grown in Kano, Kano State, Northwestern Nigera “FARO 52” (WITA), “FARO 44” (SIPI), “FARO 60” , (improved varieties), “Kwandala” , “Jamila” , Ex-china, and “JIF” (local varieties) were used in this study. The seed dressing chemicals used were Apron Star 42 WS, Dress Force 42WS and ZEB-Care 80%WP. This study was performed under three main tests, i.e dry inspection, blotter tests, agar plate and microscopic examination. The highest number of healthy seeds (94.16%) was recorded from “JIF” variety and lowest (64.77%) from “Jamila” . The highest number of deformed seeds was observed from variety “FARO 44” whereas the lowest noted on “JIF” . The identified fungi were Fusarium spp., Bipolaris oryzae, Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus niger, and Nigrospora oryzae., Rhizoctonia spp. and Rhizopus spp. Highest seed infection was recorded for A. flavus, A. niger, and Fusarium spp., and the least with C. lunata and N. oryzae. Treated seeds with Zeb-care (Mancozeb 80% WP), increased their vigor index over untreated by 62.78% and can be recommended as seed dressing chemical for optimun control of rice seed- borne pathogens.
 
 

Integrated Management of Haricot Bean Foliage Beetle in Northeastern Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted to determine the integrated effect of planting dates, insecticides, and their interaction on the reduction of yield and yield related components of haricot bean caused by haricot bean foliage beetle damage at Sirinka Agriculture Research Center, Ethiopia. Planting dates were normal planting (NP) and late planting (10 days after normal planting) (LP), while insecticides comprised Apron star seed dressing (A) and without insecticide (WI). The combined analysis revealed that late planting combined with Apron star seed dressing (LPA) resulted in the highest yield (1223.7 Kg/ha). On the other hand, normal planting date without insecticide application (NPWI) gave the lowest yield (209.6 kg/ha) and the maximum yield loss (209.6%). The cost-benefit analysis showed that use of LPA gave by far better high net profit over control. Thus, LPA are recommended for haricot bean foliage beetle management in northeastern Ethiopia.

English

Among the challenges of achieving increased chickpea production in Ethiopia is absence of seed quality enhancement technologies. The Genius Coat Disco Cereal AG L-439 is among the seed coating products produced by INCOTEC Company and introduced in our country. The current study was conducted to examine the efficacy of ‘Genius Coat’ on seed yield and to determine its effective dosage for chickpea seed production. The field experiment was conducted at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center and at Akaki and Minjar sub-sites in 2016. Pre-basic chickpea seed of Habru variety was used for the trial. The treatment consists of the company's recommendation rate (100%), 50% below and above the recommended rate, pure Apron Star and untreated control and laid out in RCBD with four replications. The analysis result for the collected data of yield and yield attributing parameters indicated that the tested seed coating substance at three different rates was found effective to increase the yield of chickpea. The yield advantage of 50% below the recommended rate was 0.58 tons/ha and 0.55 tons/ha over the control and standard check, respectively. Likewise, the recommended rate improved seed yield by 0.43 and 0.40 tons/ha when compared with the control and standard check, respectively. The simple combined correlation analysis result indicated that seed yield was positively, strongly and significantly associated with the stand count, days to maturity and biomass yield. Soil analysis result showed that the present seed coating substance had no significant effect on soil chemical properties. Therefore, Genius Coat at 50% below the recommended rate had a better yield advantage than the other rates and check treatments thus should be promoted. Key words: Chickpea, genius coat, seed yield.

Evaluation of Chickpea Varieties and Fungicides for the Management of Chickpea Fusarium Wilt Disease (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris) at Adet Sick Plot in Northwest Ethiopia

A 2-year experiment was conducted at wilt sick plot infested with natural occurring Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris at Adet Agricultural Research Center in northwestern Ethiopia with an aim to evaluate effective chickpea varieties and fungicides for the management of chickpea fusarium wilt in order to integrate chickpea varieties and fungicides. Four varieties, namely, Shasho, Arerti, Marye, and local, two fungicides, namely, Apron Star and mancozeb, and untreated local chickpea were used as treatments. Treatments were arranged in a factorial combination in randomized complete block design in three replications. There were significant differences at p<0.05 in the overall mean of fusarium wilt disease incidence, area under disease progress curve %-day, yield and yield components among varieties and fungicides treatments. Data were analyzed using SAS system version 9.2. The results indicated that the maximum disease incidence and area under disease progress curve values 65.62% and 578.5%-day, respectively, were recorded from untreated local chickpea, while the minimum disease incidence and area under disease progress curve values 23.41% and 147%-day, respectively, were recorded from Shasho variety treated with Apron Star. The maximum biomass and grain yield of 6.71 t/ha and 4.6 t/ha, respectively, were recorded from Shasho variety treated with Apron Star while the minimum biomass and grain yield of 0.62 t/ha and 0.21 t/ha, respectively, were recorded from untreated local chickpea. Thus, the experiment results suggested that the variety of Shasho treated with fungicide Apron Star caused significant reduction in chickpea fusarium wilt incidence leading to a corresponding increase in grain yield of chickpea.

Effect of variety and apron star on incidence and severity of cercospora leaf spot disease of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria

Field study was conducted during the 2015 raining season, at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Dry land farm, to evaluate the effect of Cercospora leaf spot disease and seed dressing chemical (Apron star) on different varieties of cowpea viz. Sampea-7, Sampea-8, Sampea-9, Sampea-11, Sampea-15 and Ex-Yumfa. Randomize Complete Block Design was used for the study. Results revealed that all the varieties were infected by Cercospora leaf spot disease at varying level. Ex-yumfa had highest disease incidence and severity both at 9 WAS and at harvest (40.385% and 55.128% incidence at 9 WAS and at harvest respectively) and (35.537% and 65.186% severity at 9was and at harvest). Lowest disease incidence was observed both at 9 WAS and at harvest on Sampea-15 (19.911% at 9 WAS and 28.884% incidence at harvest) and (11.911% and 21.852% severity) and no significant difference was recorded between dressed and undressed. Ex-Yumfa had lowest 100 grain (g) weight and yield per ha-1 while Sampea-7,8,9 and 11 are statistically similar also, there was no significant difference between dressed and undressed seeds in 100 grains weight seed and yield.

Onion ( Allium cepa L.) Seedling Quality Parameters as Affected by Soil and Seed Treatment at Adami Tulu, Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia

The integrated effects of soil and seed treatment on onion (Allium cepa L.) were investigated at Adami Tulu mid rift valley of Ethiopia during hot warm season (March, April and May) 2015. Leaf number, seedlings length, weed abundance, percentage of strong and weak seedling were tested for their response. Accordingly interaction effect of seed and soil treatment affected percentage of strong and weak seedling significantly at (P < 0.01). The main effect of seed treatment was found non-significantly affected all seedling quality parameters except seedling length whereas the main effect of soil treatment affected seedling length, and leaf number at (P < 0.05) weed abundance, percentage of strong and weak seedling at (P < 0.01). The maximum percentage of strong seedling was attained while solarization combined with treated seed (seed treated with apron star) (85%) followed by treated seed with burning (77.4%) and untreated seed with solarization (77.4%). The interaction of burning and untreated seed (4) was found to maximize leaf number followed by combined effect of burning and treated seed (4). Mean weed abundance reduced from 65.9% and 41.7% when soil is treated with solarization and burning as compared to control plot, respectively. In general increased quality of onion seedling was achieved due to combined application of soil solarization and seed treated with apron star. Therefore, combined treatment of soil solarization and seed treatment with apron star is recommended for onion nursery establishment at Adami Tulu mid rift valley of Ethiopia.

Management of Faba Bean Gall Disease (Kormid) in North Shewa Highlands, Ethiopia

Production of faba bean is inhibited by several yield limiting factors, among which diseases are the main. In Ethiopia more than 17 disease causing pathogens were reported on faba bean. Major diseases recoded in faba bean includes, chocolate spot (Botrytis fabae), rust (Uromyces viciae-fabae), ascochyta blight (Ascochyta fabae), zonate leaf spot (Cercospora zonatae), and black root rot (Fusarium sp.). A new disease, faba bean gall locally called “Kormid in North Shewa was expanded in the highland faba bean growing areas. Studies showed that seed dressing and foliar fungicides have some effects against faba bean diseases. Field experiment was conducted in North shewa highlands to control faba bean gall disease at farmers’ field. The experiment was conducted on farmers’ fields in randomized complete block design in six replications. The treatments were arranged with different fungicides (spray and seed dressing), namely Mancozeb, Ridomil, Chlorotalonil, Bayleton wp 25 (Triadimefon 250 g/ kg), Thiram, Apron star and control. Fungicides were applied as manufacturers’ recommendations. Foliar fungicides were applied three times at seedling, flowering and podding growth stage on local faba bean variety. Disease score and other agronomic data were recorded at different plant growth stage. The highest disease score were recorded in control, Thiram and Apron star in 2013. The highest yield was also recorded in Bayleton and mancozeb sprayed plots respectively. In 2014 the disease prevalence and severity was similar to 2013. Maximum disease score were recorded on Control followed by Thiram and Apron star seed dressing plots. Minimum disease score were also recorded in Baylaton (2.66) and Ridomil gold (2.71) sprayed plots. There was a significant difference between biomass yield and grain yield. The highest grain yield was recorded in Baylaton (3129.8 kg) sprayed plot and followed by Ridomil gold (2708.3 kg) and Mancozeb (2705.7 kg) respectively. There was no significant difference between plots in plant height, pod per plant, seed per pot and seed per plant in both years.

Cotton Flea Beetle, Podagrica puncticollis Weise (Coleoptera: Halticidae) in Metema District, Northern Ethiopia: Yield Loss Assessment and Management

Flea beetles are the most destructive insect pests of cotton in Northwestern part of Ethiopia. Damage is the most severe when seedlings are attacked and may necessitate extensive resowing. A field experiment was carried out in Metema districtfrom June to December in 2007 cropping season to estimate yield losses due to cotton flea beetle and to determine the efficacy of seed dressing and foliar insecticides against Podagrica puncticollis. The treatments were arranged by using RCBD with three replications. Seeds were treated with seed dressing insecticides (Cruiser 350 FS and Apron Star 42 WS) 5 days before sowing and foliar insecticide treatments (Sevin 85% WP and Endosulfan 35% EC) were applied 5 and 10 days after seedling emergence. No significant differences were observed among treatments in the number of flea beetles per plant before spraying with foliar insecticides. However, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among treatments in infestation of flea beetles before and after spray with foliar insecticides, indicated by the number of flea beetles after spray with foliar insecticides and the number of holes per damaged leaf. Plots sown with seeds treated with Cruiser, plots sown with seeds treated with Cruiser plus foliar spray with Sevin or Endosulfan 5 days after seedling emergence and 2 times spray of Sevin or Endosulfan 5 and 10 days after seedling emergence gave the least number of flea beetles per plant (1), infestation and showed less symptom of flea beetle damage with the least number of holes per damaged leaf (15) as compared to the other treatments which gave similar results to untreated check (22 flea beetles and 55.2 holes). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among treatments in some agronomic characteristics of cotton. Plots sown with seeds dressed with Cruiser combined with foliar spray with Sevin or Endosulfan 5 days after seedling emergence showed significant differences and gave more number of leaves per plant (81), maximum plant height (95.2 cm), no reduction of plant stand per plot and more seed cotton yield (0.49 kg) of all the other treatments, whereas, seeds dressed with Apron Star solely and seeds dressed with Apron Star plus foliar spray with Sevin or Endosulfan 5 days after seedling emergence gave the least results and no differences were observed as compared to untreated check in some agronomic features of cotton (38 leaves, 58.1 cm and 0.1 kg). A seed cotton yield loss of 75.51% was recorded in untreated plots as compared to seeds treated with Cruiser plus foliar spray with Sevin 5 days after seedling emergence. Using Cruiser as a sole seed dressing insecticide and supplementing those seeds treated with Cruiser by foliar spraying with Sevin 5 days after seedling emergence provided the most reasonable management approach for cotton flea beetle.

Effect of Seed Treatment on Incidence and Severity of Garlic White Rot (Sclerotium cepivorum Berk) in the Highland Area of South Tigray, North Ethiopia

A participatory evaluation of integrated white rot management was conducted for two years during the 2013 and 2014 main cropping seasons (Julys-October) in Emba-Alaje and Enda-Mokoni Woredas of South Tigray. The sites selected for the trial were potential for garlic production and many farmers used this crop as main source of income. However, the productivity of the crop is declining from time to time due to white rot infestation. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate hot water treatment and chemical application on controlling white rot infestation. During the first year, three treatments were used for the experiment: chemical treatment (Apron star 42 WS), hot water treatment at 46°C and farmers practice (control). During the second demonstration year additional treatment hot treatment plus chemical treatment included. The first year results indicated that lowest white rot incidence (25%) and number of cloves per hectare (2670) infected by white rot was recorded from hot water treated plots followed by chemical treatment (29% incidence) and (4240 infected cloves) per hectare. White rot incidence and number of plants per hectare infected by white rot was very high in the control plots as exhibited by 45% and 7910 plants, respectively. Significantly higher marketable yield (126.09 qt/ha) was obtained from hot water treated plots, while the lowest marketable yield (96.576 qt/ha) was obtained from the control or farmers practice plots. About 30.5% yield advantage was obtained from hot water treated plots compared to the control plot. The same result was also recorded during the second year demonstration. In Ayba and Atsela Kebeles the highest marketable yield and low white rot incidence and severity were recorded from hot water treated plots. Hot water treatment has also received higher acceptances and was ranked first by the farmer’s participated in the research for its low cost and higher response Unlike the two Kebeles, incidence of white rot in Simret Kebele was 100% in all treatments, however hot water treatment preferred by participant farmers by its accessibility. Therefore, from the result we can conclude that based on the accessibility, environmental benefits and farmer’s preferences hot water treatment is promising practice for white rot treatment in the intervention Kebeles.