Management of faba bean gall (Physoderma viciae) through integration of host resistance with fungicides in Meket district, North Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Faba bean (Vicia faba) is among the most important crops grown in the highlands of Wollo, Ethiopia. Its yield is generally very low as a result of faba bean gall. Since the disease is new, information is lacking on management options. Therefore, the experiment was carried out to investigate management options using cultivars and fungicides under natural infestation conditions on farmer’s field during the 2021 main cropping season in Meket district. Randomized complete block design with 3 replications of Ethylene Bisdithiocarbamate, Triadimefon, Metalaxyl + Mancozeb, and untreated check were combined with varieties of, Walki, Degaga, and local. Statistical Analysis like ANOVA and LSD were determined using SAS 9.2 (2), and the highest grain yield (2.59 t ha-1) was recorded on the Walki variety treated with Triadimefon whereas, the lowest grain yield (1.44 t ha-1) was recorded with the control treatment. The highest and lowest AUDPC of 2080.20% day-1 and 1303.63% day-1 were recorded on the control and Triadimefon treated Walki variety respectively. The novelty of Triadimefon is its ability to both address the primary pathogen and enhance the plant’s natural defenses, resulting in improved management of faba bean gall. On the other hand, the Walki variety employs a comprehensive defense approach (structural, genetic, and biochemical) that reduces gall formation and supports a higher yield. Therefore, a combination of Walki and Triadimefon may be suggested as a viable solution for the area in question.