Preliminary survey of foliar maize diseases in North Western Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia, maize is the staple food and one of the main sources of calories particularly in the major maize producing-regions of the country. Survey was conducted to determine the prevalence, incidence and severity of foliar maize diseases in North Gondar Zone. A total of 150 farmers' fields were randomly sampled from five districts (Chilga, Gondar zuria, Takussa, Metema and Dembia) in North Gondar Zone of Amhara Region during cropping seasons of 2015 and 2016 years. Five quadrants were examined per farmers' field for estimation of maize foliar disease incidence and severity infestation. This was done followed by pathogen isolation and disease identification laboratory procedures. Both of two years surveyed data were collected, analyzed and expressed using simple percentage. Results indicated that the dominant maize diseases were caused by Exserohilum turcicum, Puccinia sorghi and Cercospora zeae-maydis pathogen. Maize disease incidence of E. turcicum ranged from 50 to 80%, P. sorghi 19 to 62% whereas that of C. zeae-maydis reached 42% on foliar maize disease. In addition 3-19% of disease incidence of maize streak virus was recorded from seemingly healthy maize plants. Among four identified diseases Turcicum leaf blight (TLB), Common leaf rust (CLR) and Gray leaf spot (GLS) were recorded as major disease, while maize streak virus (MSV) was as minor disease. The present study provides an indication of the incidence and severity of foliar diseases of maize on which management strategies could be derived to improve the maize production in the surveyed areas.

Evaluation of white grain maize varieties for growth, yield and yield components

“…The farm level maize yield was 2.55 t/ha is not satisfactory as compared to attainable yield (5.7 t/ha) in Nepal (MOAD, 2017;Karki et al, 2015). Maize production in the area suffers much from low fertility, low management, lack of improved varieties, and very severe infections of foliar diseases like turcicum leaf blight, high infestations of striga and stalk borers (Assefa, 1998). Compared to other countries, seed replacement rate of maize in Nepal is only 11.3% which is very low (Pokharel, 2013).…”

Performance Evaluation of Maize Hybrids (Zea mays L.)

“…Maize production in the area suffers much from low fertility, low management, lack of improved varieties, and very severe infections of foliar diseases like turcicum leaf blight, high infestations of striga and stalk borers (Assefa, 1998). As a result, evaluating the performance of hybrid maize genotypes in specific agro ecology on different traits is very crucial.…”

Distribution and association of common leaf rust (Puccinia sorghi Schwein) and turcicum leaf blight [Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.)] of Maize (Zea mays L.) with biophysical factors in Eastern Ethiopia

“…In maize-growing regions of Ethiopia, common leaf rust (CLR) has become a potential threat to maize cultivation (Tewabech et al, 2012). It appears from the early stages of maize growth, and if proper management is not undertaken in time, it damages the plant, causing higher yield losses (Assefa & Tewabech, 1992;Bekeko et al, 2018;Daniel et al, 2008;Gidi, 2023;Netsanet, 2005;Tewabech et al, 2012;Utpal et al, 2015).…”