Microbiology and Plant Pathology

Garlic is a significant cash crop in many regions of Ethiopia, but its yield is limited by several factors, including inappropriate clove size and inadequate nitrogen fertilizer. To assess the impact of clove size and nitrogen rates on the growth and yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.), a field experiment was carried out at the demonstration and research site of Debre Berhan University"s College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences during the 2020/21 main cropping season. The experiment used an improved variety of garlic called "Tseday" as the test crop. The treatments included three different clove sizes [small (1-1.49g), medium (1.5-1.99g), and large (2.0-2.5g)] and four rates of nitrogen (0, 52.5, 105, and 157.5 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement and replicated three times. The results showed that clove size had a significant effect on growth and yield parameters of garlic, while nitrogen rates significantly affected all growth parameters of garlic. The interaction effect of clove size and nitrogen rates had a significant impact on yield parameters of garlic. Planting of large sized cloves without the application of nitrogen fertilizer caused the maximum total bulb yield (19.19t/ha), which indicated a rise of 19.34% and 82.41%, respectively, compared to medium-sized cloves with 105kg N/ha application and small-sized cloves without nitrogen application. In addition, this treatment is economically beneficial as compared to planting of medium sized and small sized cloves with nitrogen application. Therefore, it can be concluded that planting large sized cloves without nitrogen application is recommended to enhance the total bulb yield of garlic.

Garlic is an important cash crop in Ethiopia. However, the yield and quality of the crop is constrained by several factors. Among these, inadequate amount of nitrogen fertilizer is the major agronomic practice that significantly reduces the yield and quality of the crop. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during the 2020/21 main cropping season at Debre Berhan University research site to evaluate the effect of different rates of nitrogen fertilizer on bulb yield and quality of garlic (Allium sativum L.). The treatments consisted of four rates of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 52.5, 105, and 157.5 kg/ ha). An improved variety 'Tseday' was used as the test crop. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The results revealed that nitrogen rates significantly influenced all growth, yield and quality parameters of garlic. The application of nitrogen at a rate of 157.5 kg N/ha prolonged days to maturity by 1.0 and 10.67 days, respectively, as compared to 105 and 0 kg N/ha application. The highest total bulb yield (19.19 t/ha) resulted from the control treatment showed an increment by 7.45% and 15.39%, respectively, as compared to 52 kg/ha and 157.5 kg/ha nitrogen application, respectively. Moreover, the application of nitrogen at a rate of 105 kg/ha resulted in the highest PDM (48.08) and TSS (27.18) content which had an increment by 5.28 and 5.19, respectively, as compared to the nil application of nitrogen fertilizer. In addition, the nil application of nitrogen fertilizer is economically beneficial as compared to 52 and 157.5 kg/ha nitrogen application. Hence, nil application of nitrogen fertilizer is recommended to enhance total bulb yield and quality of garlic.

Garlic is an important cash crop in many regions of Ethiopia. However, the yield of the crop is constrained by several factors. Among these, inappropriate clove size is one of the major agronomic practices that can decrease the yield of the crop. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during the 2020/21 main cropping season at Debre Berhan University, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, demonstration and research site to evaluate the effect of clove size on growth and bulb yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.). e treatments consisted of five clove sizes: 1-1.49 g, 1.5-1.99 g, 2-2.50 g, 2.51-2.99 g, and 3-3.5 g. An improved variety "Tseday" was used as a planting material. e experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement and replicated for three times. e results revealed that clove size significantly influenced all growth and yield parameters of garlic. Planting of 3-3.5 g cloves reduced days to emergence by 11 and 6.33 days and days to maturity by 28.33 and 18.00 days, respectively, as compared to planting of 1-1.49 g and 2-2.5 g cloves. is treatment also increased total bulb yield by 25.88% and 15.58%, respectively, as compared to planting of 1-1.49 g and 2-2.5 g cloves. In addition, this treatment significantly increased most of the growth and bulb yield components. Hence, it can be concluded that planting of 3-3.5 g cloves could be recommended to enhance early emergence, good vegetative growth, and total bulb yield of garlic.

Woody plants are more difficult to reproduce than other plant species found in nature. In addition to seed dormancy, which is caused by inhibitors in the embryo, endosperm, and/or testicle, Phoenicia, like other juniper species, does not exhibit a high rate of plant production by germination of seeds. This research's primary goals were to propagate Juniperus phoenicea L. (J. phoenicea) using tissue culture by identifying a promising protocol for utilizing kinetin (0.5 mg/l-1 with Murashige and Skoog 1962, MS), Rugini Olive Medium 1984, ROM, and Lloyd and McCown 1980, WPM to break the secondary dormancy of seeds. Additionally, RAPD fingerprints were used for molecular analysis to determine the total genomic DNA of the parent plant compared to the in vitro plant obtained. The RAPD-PCR products they obtained demonstrated a high percentage of polymorphism resulting from using BA-K5 as a primer compared to BA-K2. The results showed that the medium (WPM) supplemented with 0.5 g/l⁻¹ kin gave the highest significant increment for germination percentage (60%), while MS gave the lowest germination rate (8%). The study concludes that the in vitro culture method for zygotic embryo germination may be a viable way to overcome the challenges posed by poor juniper germination rates and boost seed propagation.

Background: Groundnut stem rot, caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, is notorious for causing significant economic losses in groundnut production worldwide. Methods: A field trial on the integrated management of stem rot disease in groundnut was conducted at the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics during the rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. This involved the use of in vitro effective fungicides and biocontrol agents. The experiment was organized in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) featuring ten treatment combinations, including an untreated control, with three replications and a spacing of 30 10 cm. Result: During the field evaluation in the rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23, the bioagents Trichoderma viride, Bacillus cereus and the fungicide azoxystrobin showed remarkable performance. Among the various treatments, T10, which included Trichoderma viride and Bacillus cereus as seed treatment (ST) and soil application (SA) along with a reduced rate of azoxystrobin, proved to be the most effective in managing stem rot in groundnut. Treatment T8, consisting of Trichoderma viride as STSA and a reduced rate of azoxystrobin and treatment T9, featuring Bacillus cereus as STSA with a reduced rate of azoxystrobin, also demonstrated good disease control under both glasshouse and field conditions. Moreover, these treatments led to significant improvements in growth and yield parameters, with the highest pod yield and benefit-cost ratio recorded. In summary, the bioagents Trichoderma viride, Bacillus cereus and the fungicide azoxystrobin have shown considerable promise for the effective management of stem rot in groundnut and can be applied in field settings.

Research  into  environmentally  friendly  methods  for  controlling  nematodes  in  agricultural  crops  has  gained significant momentum in recent years. This growing interest reflects a broader shift toward more ecologically responsible agricultural practices—ones that prioritize natural biological mechanisms, preserve soil fertility, and protect biodiversity. Increasing  consumer  demand  for  high-quality,  chemical-free  produce  has  further  accelerated  this  transition.  Among  the many pests affecting crop production, phytoparasitic nematodes are some of the most destructive, particularly in vegetable crops, where they are responsible for substantial yield losses each year. Traditionally, synthetic pesticides have been the primary means of managing nematode infestations. However, their widespread use has led to considerable environmental concerns,  including  soil  degradation,  groundwater  contamination,  and  harm  to  non-target  organisms.  Moreover,  the effectiveness of many synthetic compounds diminishes over time due to soil interactions and the emergence of resistant nematode populations. Regulatory restrictions on soil fumigants—some of the few chemicals capable of penetrating deep into  the  soil—have  also  prompted  the  search  for  safer  alternatives.  As  a  result,  research  has increasingly  focused  on sustainable  control  strategies  that  integrate  agronomic,  biological,  and  natural  solutions.  Plant-based  products,  in particular,  have  shown  considerable  promise.  These  natural  compounds  exhibit  strong  nematicidal  properties  while maintaining a low environmental footprint. Their limited persistence in soil and low toxicity to humans, animals, and non-target  plant  species  make  them  ideal  candidates  for  sustainable  pest  management.  Furthermore,  the  complex  chemical makeup  of  plant-derived  nematicides—often  composed  of  multiple  active  ingredients—reduces  the  likelihood  of nematodes  developing  resistance,  a  common  issue  with  repeated  synthetic  pesticide  applications.  Numerous  studies support  the  efficacy  of  these  botanical  alternatives.  Bypreserving  soil  health  and  enhancing  plant  resilience,  such approaches contribute not only to pest control but also to long-term agricultural sustainability and productivity.

An isol ate of potyvirus was found to be associated with severe mosaic di sease in Narcisslls lazel/{! L. Electron microscopy, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electroph oresis of coat protein, serological rel ation ship and RT-PC R were carri ed out to identify the virus isolate. Electron mi crosco py of purified virus preparation revealed the presencc of tlexuou s parti cles of 730 x 13 nm. One band with a molecular wei ght of 33 kDa was obtained by SDS -polyac ryl amide gel elec trophoresis . Serological relationship of the virus isolate with bean yellow mosaic virus was established in cl ectrob lot im munoassay. Employing potyvirus s pecitic primers in RT-PC R, a b and of abo ut 300 bp was obtained from the core region o f the coat protein , thus confirmi ng the association of a potyvirus with the mosaic disease of N. /a ze lla.

Background: W ilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris in chickpea remains a persistent threat, leading to substantial losses in both quantity and quality. A roving survey was undertaken during rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24 to assemble information on chickpea wilt affected areas of Telangana state, India. Methods: W ilt incidence of chickpea was calculated in each field by using the quadrant mode. The coordinates of surveyed fields were additionally recorded with the help of GPS and disease incidence was calculated. Result: 14 villages in 7 districts namely Gadwal, Naryanpet, Mancherial, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Siddipet and Ranga Reddy districts were surveyed. Maximum (41.92% and 44.24%) wilt incidence was recorded in Basar village of Nirmal district, followed (31.92% and 35.31%) by Mudhole of Nirmal. Wilt incidence was minimum (16.47% and 20.21%) at Hindupur of Naryanpet. Overall incidence level of wilt in seven districts indicated that Nirmal had maximum level of disease incidence ranging from 19-44% followed by Gadwal (19-44%), Nizamabad (19-35%), Ranga Reddy (19-35%), Siddipet (16-25%), Mancherial (16-25%) respectively. These findings highlight the widespread presence of Fusarium wilt in chickpea crop growing regions of Telangana. Consequently, it is essential to explore effective management strategies to address this issue, as chickpea is a remunerative pulse crop suitable for cultivation in black soils during early rabi.

Background: Cowpea crop suffer from various stresses, both biological and environmental, that reduce their quality and yield, leading to significant economic losses. Stem and root rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is a major root disease responsible for yield losses of 50-55 per cent. Methods: A study was conducted by the

Potato is suffered by many abiotic and biotic factors. Among biotic factors late blight disease (LBD) is the most important. The study was conducted during 2017 at Adet and Debre-Tabor to determine and evaluate the combination effect of varieties and fungicides, to reduce LBD intensities and increase yield. Four potato varieties and three fungicides with untreated check were used in factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. Lowest disease severity 11.11% was obtained from Belete and Gudene at Adet and Belete at Debre-Tabor. Similarly, the lowest AUDPC (9.33 and 89.83 %-days) were expressed from Gudene + Saboxyl 72% at Adet and Debre-Tabor, respectively, whereas, the maximum PSI and AUDPC were obtained from untreated plots. In average up to 359.81% yield increases were recorded from Abalo + Saboxyl 72% WP. The highest marginal rates of return (2,886.50 % and 3,786.35%) were obtained from Saboxyl 72% treated plots of Abalo & Guassa at Debre-Tabor and Adet, respectively. Therefore, an application of Saboxyl 72% with different varieties was effective at both locations to reduce the yield loss of potato and could be recommended to manage LBD. The combination of Saboxyl 72% with Gudene, Belete and Guassa were highly hinder LBD development at both locations. Even though, its yielding capacity was relatively lower Gudene could be recommended for production without fungicide. Variety Belete and Guassa could be recommended for production in combination with Saboxyl 72%, since they have best performance with relatively lower disease reaction at Adet and Debre-Tabor, respectively. Contribution/Originality: This study contributes in the existing literature to fill the gap of the current state of knowledge of late blight disease management of potato. This study is one of very few studies which have investigated potato late blight disease management in Western Amhara Region Ethiopia.

A set of 50 candidate and released bread wheat cultivars of Pakistan were studied to identify slow rusting resistance against yellow rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (PST). Seedling tests were done under glasshouse conditions at Thiverval-Grignon, INRA, France while slow rusting resistance was evaluated during 2005-07 in field plots using epidemiological variables at Peshawar, Pakistan. Twenty nine cultivars (58%) displayed susceptibility against the two PST races used in the seedling tests. Epidemiological parameters of resistance at the adult-plant stage were significantly (P<0.01) different for years, cultivars and cultivar x year interactions over three years. Analyses were done for sequence tagged site (STS) marker, csLV34 at INRA and revealed that 40% of the tested cultivars possessed adult plant resistance gene Yr18 linked allele of 150 bp. Of the 50 cultivars evaluated under field trials, 11 were highly resistant to both PST races as in the seedling tests and 39 showed different levels of slow rusting. Cultivars Bakhtawar-93, Punjab-96, Bahawalpur-95, V-00183 and V-00125 were relatively more stable over 3-years as Final Rust Severity (FRS), Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) and Infection Rate (r) values were 74, 81, and 63% less of the susceptible control, Morocco, respectively. These cultivars also possessed the marker linked to Yr18 and could be exploited for the deployment of Yr18 in breeding for slow rusting in wheat. Both FRS and ACI are suitable parameters and can be used for phenotypic selection in a wheat breeding program for slow rusting resistance.

Background: Rhizobacteria are essential for plant health by offering natural antagonism to soil-borne fungi. Rhizobacteria are regarded as an alternative to chemical agents for the integrated control of plant diseases and for enhancing yield in an ecologically sustainable way. Nonetheless, there is a limited comprehension of the precise processes via which rhizobacteria suppress these diseases and the variety of rhizobacterial species implicated. Methods: Through experiments conducted in 2022-2024, the efficiency of 12 rhizobacterial isolates of Alloiococcus otitis BRE6, Aneurinibacillus thermoaerophilus SDV1, Aeribacillus pallidus ECC4, A. thermoaerophilus ECL1, Bacillus megaterium SKE2, Staphylococcus lentus BZD2, Enterobacter cloacae complex BZD3, B. megaterium TNK1, Leclercia adecarboxylata DKS3, B. halotolerans DMC8, B. subtilis NAS1 and Paenibacillus polymyxa TRS4, in controlling soilborne pathogenic fungi of Rhizoctonia solani, Macrophomina phaseolina and Pythium aphanidermatum, the causal agents of tomato root rot disease was evaluated under greenhouse conditions and plant growth parameters were evaluated. Result: The results indicated that the combination treatment of 12 rhizobacterial isolates (COR12) achieved the highest germination rate of tomato seeds in the presence of pathogenic fungi, reaching 100% and the lowest rate of disease incidence and severity, reached 5% and 1%, respectively, compared to the positive control treatment, which reached 82% and 53%, respectively. Representing control disease value of 98% compared to the single bacteria treatments. The COR12 treatment achieved a significant increase in the growth parameters represented by plant height and fresh and dry weight of the shoot and root system in the presence of pathogenic fungi compared to the individual bacterial treatments.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of integrated management of common bacterial blight (Xanthomonas axopodai) of bean on disease development, yield and yield components. A field experiment was conducted at Chena district Dahera peasant association on farmers training center field during 2011/2012 main cropping season using four resistant common bean cultivars and one susceptible local check. Host resistance was integrated with seed treatment using Apron 2g/kg and cultural practice. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design in factorial combination with three replications. The results indicate that integrating of resistant varieties with chemical seed treatment and cultural practice were highly significant (p &lt; 0.001) in reducing common bacterial blight development and increased seed yield and yield component of a bean. The highest percent severity index of common bacterial blight (71.95%) was observed in the control treatment when growing of lo...

The experiments described in this chapter were conducted during the Kharif-2018-19.The RAPD marker can be used to find out diversity among different isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melongenae. The highest genetic similarity to the extent of 0.58 (i.e. 58%) was recorded between FOM-2 and FOM-7. This indicates that FOM-2 and FOM-7 isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melongenae were showing maximum similarity based on selected RAPD primers. Whereas, FOM-1 and FOM-5 were found least genetic similar showing similarity 0.25 (25%). It found that the isolates collected from different places as mentioned in description were found to be different from each other. It states that the isolates show diversity among each other. The genetic variability in the FOM isolates may be due to differences in geographical and environmental conditions. Fusarium oxysporum, Egg plant, FOM

A mixed probit model was applied to survey data to analyzeconsumers’willingnessto buy apples with cosmetic damage caused by the sooty blotch and flyspeck (SBFS) disease complex. The analysis finds consumers will pay a premium for organic production methods and for apples with low amounts of SBFS damage. Behavioral variables such as experience in growing fruit significantly affect the willingness to buy applesofdifferentdamagelevels.Consumers’toleranceofveryblemishedapplesis limited and they trade off production technology attributes for cosmetic appearance. Better understanding of this trade-offisimportanttoorganicproducers’decisionsabout disease control

Root rot caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola is a major constraint in green gram (Vigna radiata L.) cultivation, especially under high temperature and low soil moisture. This study assessed the severity of root rot and the associated impact on plant growth under pot culture. Green gram plants (variety CO 8) were grown in nine pots under three treatments: uninoculated control, low, and high inoculum doses of R. bataticola. Disease incidence, severity, plant height, biomass, and yield were measured. Results showed that higher inoculum loads significantly increased disease severity and reduced growth and yield parameters. This study reinforces the destructive potential of R. bataticola in mungbean and highlights the need for integrated disease management strategies, including host resistance and soil health maintenance.

Green gram is one of the major pulse crops developed all over the world. Cercospora leaf spot disease is a critical annihilating disease of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.). It could be a broad disease caused by the organism Cercospora canesens with the decrease in trim abdicate up to 60 per cent. The disease was firstly detailed in Delhi, India and spread all over the environment. Field conditions and essential natural variables are dependable for the infection rate. Numerous of the botanical extricates and fungicides are detailed to be successful control of the disease.

Improper use of pesticides has been the most problematic factor in affecting the environment and pollinating insects. Therefore, this research was conducted to assess farmers' awareness and usage of insecticides for the protection of onion pests in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia from January to May 2022. A purposive sampling method was used to select onion growers in the study area. The respondents revealed that damage caused by pests and diseases led to yield loss in onions, and their choice was applying insecticide chemicals without training in the application technique of the chemical. A very high proportion of farmers (60%) in Adami Tullu Jido Kombolcha and Bishan Guracha (44%) never wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at the time of insecticide application. The result also demonstrated that only 44% of respondents from Adami Tullu Jido Kombolcha and 25% from Bishan Guracha had attended formal training. They also revealed that they purchased pesticide chemicals without knowing their safe use or disposal methods. Due to this, farmers fail to follow the label for pesticide rate, spray volume, and wearing personal protective equipment. The results of this study suggest that farmers in the study area need training and inspection on the safe use and hazardous effects of insecticides.

The research work was conducted at department of plant pathology, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during 2012. The objective was to determine the fungal colony texture and colour of five different isolates of Fusarium solani, causing root rot of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) plant, in Peshawar. In this study, five isolates of Fusarium solani collected from different places of (Chamkani, Budhni, Palosi, Achinipayan and Jogian) were investigated for colony colour and texture. They were flat to cottony or woolly densely and densely floccose to fluffy. The colony colour was white to off white, creamy and chocolate colour or bright or silver coloured.

Small cardamom [Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton], the "Queen of Spices", which belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) is the third most expensive spice in the world, sought after saffron and vanilla. Cardamom hill reserves (CHR) surrounded by the evergreen forest in the Western Ghats are considered to be the "hot spot" area for cardamom. Adverse climatic conditions, especially prolonged drought and excessive wetness, drastically affect its yield potential. Due to high relative humidity in the plantation areas, cardamom is prone to fungal diseases viz., capsule and panicle *

Brinjal is one of the important vegetable crops growing in India. Fruit rot brinjal caused by Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum melongenae and Phomopsis vexans is one of the important diseases of brinjal. Hence, in this investigation, critical growth studies were done to understand the pathogen behaviour. The nutritional studies were taken up to know the best medium required for the growth and sporulation of the all three pathogens. The study revealed that out of nine different solid media tested, potato dextrose agar (PDA), oat meal agar and Sabouraud's agar proved best for mycelial growth and sporulation of the all the three pathogens respectively. Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum melongenae and Phomopsis vexans solid media.

Tomato plants grown in sterilized soil applied with Pseudomonas fluorescens grown on Jatropha cake resulted in highest recovery of P. flourescens from soil. Combined application of two bio-agents in the rhizosphere of tomato in sterilized soil resulted in comparatively lower recovery of P. fluorescens and Trichoderma harzianum but was found better for root growth, shoot growth and fruit yield enhancement than their single application. Combined application of bio-agents grown on any of the cake to the sterilized soil resulted in "three time" increase in root length, 1.5 times increase in shoot length and "five time" increase in fruit yields of tomato crop.

This study examined the nutritional value of Amaranths, Bidens pilosa, Cucurbita maxima, Ipomea aquatica, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, and Brassica oleraceae var. acephala,. Laboratory analyses were performed to determine the proximate composition, and micronutrient content present in the selected native indigenous vegetables (NIVs). The Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), and Ultra Violet Visible (UV-V) were deployed to quantify Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Nitrogen (N). The results revealed that Biden pilosa had 0.276 ppm of Calcium, Fe 0.0081 ppm, 0.345 ppm of Magnesium, 0.00447 ppm Zinc, phosphorus was 1.96 ppm, potassium 0.835 ppm, and crude protein 1.250 %. Cucurbita maxima showed a concentration of 0.339ppm of calcium, 0.007ppm of iron, 0.266 ppm Magnesium, 0.00443ppm zinc, 2.05 pp phosphorus, 0.751ppm potassium and 11.042% crude proteins. Water spinach presented a concentration of 0.089 ppm of calcium, 0.0368 ppm Iron, 0.117ppm Magnesium, 0.00293 ppm of Zinc, 4.84ppm of phosphorus, and Crude protein 14.688 %. Amaranths showed a concentration of 0.600, 0.0098, 0.887, 0.00310 ppm of calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc respectively, and a concentration of phosphorus, potassium, and crude proteins of 1.63 ppm, 0.951 ppm, and 13.083% respectively. At the same time, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius recorded 0.502pp of Ca, 0.0461 ppm of Fe. For Mg, Zn, and P, the analysis showed 0.171 ppm, 0.00533 ppm and 1.21 ppm respectively. K, 0.235 ppm and crude protein 14.771 %. Cnidoscolus aconitifolius had a high crude protein percentage followed by Ipomea aquatica. On average Amaranths was found to be rich in almost all the nutrients analysed except for Iron with a low amount of 0.0098 ppm. Ipomea aquatica had also contained good nutrient levels except for calcium and magnesium which showed less significant difference. These two vegetables are worth consuming as they have high levels of essential nutrients. Brassica oleraceae var acephala (the control) showed no calcium available in it but recorded 0.0294 ppm of Fe, 0.037 ppm of Mg, Zn 0.00370 ppm, 2.34ppm phosphorus, 0.111 ppm of K and 1.708% crude protein. Further research is recommended to explore the functional properties, sensory attributes, and culinary versatility of NIVs, as well as their potential impacts on mitigating diet-related diseases and promoting well-being across diverse populations.

In the year 2009, a survey was conducted with the emphasis to ascertain the situation of foliar diseases of wheat in Punjab, Pakistan. Four diseases viz. spot blotch, powdery mildew, yellow and leaf rust were found prevalent. The disease index (DI) of spot blotch, yellow rust and leaf rusts was 24.8% 5.2% and 0.4%, respectively. Spot blotch was the most prevalent disease on varieties cultivated at farmer fields and no variety was found free of it. Maximum disease was observed on Bhakkhar-2001 followed by Inqilab-91,

Monagas et al. . Grape-vine leaves possesses a resistance towards several fungus diseases as Plasmopara viticola, Oidium tukeri and Botrytis cinerea which cause downy mildew, powdery mildew and fruit rot, respectively . Flavonoids including quercetin and quercetin-3-O-[β-xylosyl-(1-2)-α-rhamnoside] 4'-O-α-rhamnoside as bioactive compounds were secluded from Zizyphus spina-christi leaves . Also, various gallic acid derivatives were isolated from the leaves of Punica granatum such 1,2,3-tri-O-galloyl-β-glucopyranose, 1,2,4-tri-O-galloyl-β-glucopyranose, 1,3,4-tri-O-galloyl-β-glucopyranose, 1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-glucopyranose and 1,4,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-glucopyranose . The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of leaf extracts of various plant species against five economically important plant disease organisms under in vitro conditions with phytochemical screening and HPLC analysis. Leaves of thompson seedless grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Sultana), flame seedless grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Roumy Ahmer), zizyphus (Zizyphus spina-christi cv. Willd), pomegranate (Punica granatum cv. Baladi) and fig (Ficus carica cv. Sultani), belong to families Vitaceae, Rhamnaceae,

Citrus leaf and fruit spot is one of the most important biotic constraints of citrus production in Ethiopia. The symptomatic leaf and fruit samples were collected from 29 orchards of 15 major citrus growing districts of Ethiopia. One hundred sixty-seven fungal isolates were recovered and identified to species level through DNA barcoding; and their relationships were established using multigene phylogeny. The internal transcribed spacers, long subunit and actin gene sequences revealed that those 167 isolates belonged to either Collectotrichum gloeosporioides or Collectotrichum boninense species complexes (sensu lato), but no recovery of Pseudocercospora angolensis, the primary causal agent of the citrus leaf and fruit spot disease. Detached leaf assays confirmed pathogenicity of isolates of both C. gloeosporioides and C. boninense species complexes on citrus. They reproduced disease symptoms and the pathogens were re-isolated from symptomatic tissues. This study reports frequent association of C. gloeosporioides and C. boninense species complexes with citrus fruit and leaf spot disease in Ethiopia. This finding suggests the need for in-depth studies to determine the roles of C. gloeosporioides and C. boninense species complexes in citrus fruit and leaf spot disease epidemiology.

A permanente reflexao metodologica durante todo o processo da pesquisa, preocupando-se em questionar se a metodologia escolhida e capaz de apreender o objeto estudado e de extrema importância. No entanto, a Geografia, de uma maneira geral, infelizmente, e marcada pela escassez de reflexao sobre os procedimentos por meio dos quais produzem suas informacoes. Por isso, nao com a intencao de preencher essa lacuna ou esgotar o tema, mas sim em dar subsidios relacionados a pesquisa, sobretudo qualitativa, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar, resumidamente, algumas das principais problematicas, conceitos e autores que versam a respeito da pesquisa qualitativa na Geografia. Para tanto, partimos da discussao a respeito da carencia do debate metodologico e o papel da teoria e do sujeito na pesquisa geografica, para, em seguida, levando em consideracao que a escolha da metodologia a ser empregada na pesquisa e determinada pelo objeto de estudo, apresentamos resumidamente as metodo...

An investigation was conducted to find out the association of Ganoderma spp. with the mortality of Acacia auriculiformis at Jahangirnagar University Campus, Bangladesh. Diseases severity of the tree was calculated where the highest (52.2 %) incidence was recorded in site-1 of the study area. Isolation and identification of the Ganoderma spp. and Trichoderma spp. were carried out. A total of 11 hosts were examined for examine the susceptibility of Ganoderma on host. All of the wild Ganoderma spp. viz., G. lucidum-1, G. lucidum-2, G. lucidum-3 and G. applanatum preferred to use saw dust of Mangifera indica followed by Ceriops decandra whereas the least performance recorded in Albizia procera and Dipterocarpus turbinatus. Trichoderma isolates found effective to control Ganoderma infestation under field conditions.

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is the world's largest growing vegetable crop. Many diseases and disorders affect tomatoes during its growing season. F. oxysporum is fungus pathogen widespread soil-borne plant pathogen. This plant pathogenic affects the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). The recommend that farmer should be used resistant tomato cultivar and recommend fungicide spraying was best control and it were the most effective in reducing diseases' incidence and increase the yield of tomato.

Taify grape is one of the important summer fruits in the Taif area in Saudi Arabia. A part of grape spoiled because by fungi and their toxins, influencing intersection processing, and export, alongside the quality of superior general welfare risk of exposure. The aim of this work was to check the ability of live cells and crude cell-free extracts of the grape epiphytic antagonists Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus vallismortis and B. amyloliquefaciens to control the transmission of Aspergillus niger, A. parasiticus and A. tubingensis to post-harvest Taify table grape berries (Vitis vinifera L.). Gathering of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) was also evaluated. Also, the activity of peroxidase enzyme, total phenol, and lipid peroxidation evaluated. The healthy and injured grape berry inoculated or suspended in the live bacterium cell suspension or bacteria free extract were challenged by the above fungi and stored at 5°C and 20°C for 28 and 50 days, individually. The treatments were effective for lessening the parasites misuse, spoil advance, and decay rate, and AFB1 and OTA aggregation. A pre-dousing of the in-place grape berries was prevalent. The peroxidase enzyme and the total phenol expanded further, slightness the lipid peroxidation, all reinforce the antagonists. The bacteria, their cell-free extracts, the incited peroxidase enzyme, total phenol and the brought down lipid peroxidation, made the medium ominous to the fungal establishment and further developing, and after that developing aggregate AFB1 and OTA ceased. Additional work expected to recognize the bacterial causal variable as well as the active metabolites.

In the present study, cell-free cultures of four isolates of Rhizobium leguminosarum, an isolate of Azotobacter chroococcum and compost tea were investigated for their biocontrol potential against the root parasitic weed Orobanche crenata. Individual cell-free cultures of Azotobacter chroococcum or Rhizobium sp., dual and mixture of cell-free cultures of Rhizobium spp. or compost tea were applied to infested pots in greenhouse conditions. The treatments showed variable effects on many developmental parameters of both faba bean and broomrape. Significant decrease in the number of broomrape attachments, dry weight of the attached tubercles on faba bean roots and the reduction in percentage of broomrape seed germination were recorded. Compost tea, individual and mixture of R. leguminosarum isolates were more reducing on broomrape germination and growth than A. chroococcum alone did; being the former treatment is the best. The reduction in broomrape incidence by compost tea was due to certain phenotypic mechanisms, which acted alone or in combination. These mechanisms included negative effect of natural stimulant broomrape on seed germination, prevention of radical penetration inside the host roots, parasite yield reduction, and thus increasing the growth and vitality of faba bean. In vitro experiment indicated that seed germination percentage of broomrape was also negatively affected by the combination of root-exudates and compost tea. Radical apexes of the germinated seeds were distorted. These distortions may prevent the radicals to follow up the infestation. In conclusion, the study presents the potential of R. leguminosarum isolates and compost tea in biocontrol of broomrape. More investigations should be carried out with viable bacterial cells on the parasite plant before use in sustainable agricultural systems.

Background: Cowpea crop is affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses which are responsible for its poor quality and low yield resulting in severe economic losses. Among the root diseases, stem and root rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is an important disease causing the yield losses ranging from 50-55 per cent. So, there is a need to formulate suitable management practices against root rot. Methods: Field experiment was laid-out in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 to determine the efficacy of economically viable and effective fungicides, bioagents and organic manures against stem and root rot of cowpea. The per cent disease incidence and yield per hectare were taken into consideration for statistical analysis. Result: In laboratory experiments, it was found that, the seed dressing fungicides mancozeb 50% + carbendazim 25% WP and carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% DS were the most effective against M. phaseolina. Similarly, among the bioagents tested, T. harzianum was the most effective followed by T. Viride and P. fluorescens. A two-years evaluation of nine integrated treatment modules for rabi seasons revealed that, seed treatment with carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5 % WS resulted in the lowest disease incidence and the highest grain yield, 100 seed weight and B:C ratio. Cowpea stem and root rot incidence was increased with soil temperature and decreased with soil moisture.

Background: The chickpea, scientifically known as Cicer arietinum L., is a significant legume crop that serves as a valuable source of vegetable protein. The chickpea crop is susceptible to various pests and illnesses. Collar rot, induced by the fungal pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii, is a highly significant and extremely damaging disease that affects chickpea crops. The disease causes seedling mortality ranging from 54.7 to 95 per cent and field conditions result in yield decrease ranging from 22 to 50 per cent. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using a combination of fungicides, bio-agents and organic amendments for the management of collar rot in chickpea. Methods: The investigations were conducted in the Rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21. The experiments involved the integration of fungicides, fungal biocontrol agents (Trichoderma spp.), FYM and vermicompost to control Collar rot disease in Chickpea caused by S. rolfsii. Six indigenous fungal antagonists (Trichoderma spp.) were assessed in a laboratory setting against S. rolfsii using both dual culture and non-volatile (culture filtrate) methods. The efficacy of the fungicides was assessed using the poison food technique. Nine fungicides were assessed in a laboratory setting to determine their effectiveness against a pathogen and Trichoderma harzianum-2. The fungicides were tested at four different concentrations: 50, 100, 500 and 1000 ppm. The goal was to identify fungicides that are extremely toxic to S. rolfsii at lower concentrations, while being less harmful to the bioagent Trichoderma spp. Pot culture studies were conducted using a completely randomised design (CRD), while field experiments were conducted using a randomised block design (RBD). Result: Trichoderma harzianum-2 (TH-2) was found to be highly efficient against the pathogen. It reduced the growth of the pathogen by 75.18% in the dual culture technique and by 61.85% in the culture filtrate approach. Among the nine fungicides tested, four of them, specifically propineb, mancozeb, captan 70% + hexaconazole 5% WP and penflufen 13.28% w/w + trifloxystrobin, showed lower inhibitory effects on Trichoderma harzianum at doses ranging from 50 to 1000 ppm. The treatment that resulted in the highest seed germination rate (100%) and the lowest occurrence of collar rot was the one where the seeds were treated with captan 70% + hexaconazole 5% WP and the soil was supplemented with Trichoderma harzianum through vermicompost application.

Leaf rust (caused by Puccinia triticina) continues to be the most important and widespread foliar disease of wheat in the Southern Cone. The P. triticina population of the region is extremely dynamic, leading to short-lived resistance in commercial cultivars. Some high yielding materials susceptible to leaf rust have been released and their increasing cultivation relies on fungicide applications to control leaf rust. The most important challenge of breeding programs in the Southern Cone is to incorporate durable leaf rust resistance in high yielding cultivars. These cultivars must also combine resistance to other relevant diseases and meet industrial quality standards demanded by the market. Leaf rust resistance in wheat varieties and lines lies mostly in combinations of seedling resistance genes or combinations of these with adult plant resistance (APR), including Lr34. Few recently released cultivars carry APR to leaf rust that might be expected to be durable. Since efforts to introduce slow rusting into high yielding adapted germplasm are increasing in most countries, more cultivars carrying this type of resistance will likely be released. If major genes are used, the introduction of effective genes not present in the regional germplasm will increase the diversity of resistance. Molecular markers are used in breeding in Argentina and are starting to be implemented in Brazil and Uruguay. Increased use of molecular tools could improve genetic progress in breeding programs, allow identification of APR genes present in current regional germplasm, and facilitate identification of new resistance genes.

Broad bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important grain legume, used in human and animal nutrition, stewed or fresh. It is one of the oldest domesticated vegetable species. In our country today, it is grown on small areas or fields, mostly for household needs. Given the low prevalence of broad beans, data about the causes of this species diseases are scarce. In 2015, the medical examination of crops on a test field of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad showed the presence of pustules on leaves, initially at the end of May, as well as on the broad bean tree later on, in June. The microscopic analysis of the pustules&#39; content showed dark orange uredospores, typical for pathogenic fungi from the group of rust causing agents. Multiple secondary diseases were established after monitoring the disease till the end of the broad bean vegetation.Bob (Vicia faba L.) je važna zrnena mahunarka, mada više u svetu nego kod nas. Upotrebljava se za ljudsku ishranu kao varivo ili u sve...

Samples of roots of one-year old rubber plants were collected from mature plantations of RRIN, with no history of fertilizer application in Iyanomo and Akwete for microbiological analysis. The age of the sample plants was selected for ease of identification in the field, and of uprooting. The young plants were randomly uprooted from about ten metres radius of the centre of each rubber clone plantation, to minimize possible mingling with seedlings arising from neighbouring clones. Root samples were collected from clone PB 5/51 of rubber in Iyanomo in May and September, 2004 and in Akwete in June and October of the same year. The spacing in time of sample collection between the locations was to accommodate the long distance apart, and the convenience of laboratory processing. The roots were shaken lightly to detach loosely adhering soil particles, before being taken to the laboratory in polythene bags surface sterilized with 70% ethanol. The root samples were subjected to microbiological analysis, either soon after arrival in laboratory, or within 24 h of storage in refrigerator at 4°C. Adopting the method of Abdel-Rahim et al. , soil particles released following more vigorous shaking of the roots of a batch of 20 rubber plants were collected as the rhizosphere soil. After thoroughly mixing of the soil on sterile filter paper, aliquots of 1.0 g of soil were

Sample collection and extraction: The potential extracts were selected from a screening of nineteen plant species. The plants were collected from Haramaya and Ambo areas of Ethiopia, in 2010. The experiment was conducted at the Plant Pathology Laboratory of the School of Plant Sciences at Haramaya University. The plant specimens (leaves) were shade dried at a room temperature and milled into a fine powder. Following the procedures employed by Amare , 50 gram of the pulverized plant specimens were extracted with 250 ml ethyl acetate by stirring for 2 hrs on magnetic stirrer. The extract was filtered through folded filter paper into a 500 ml round bottom flask and reduced to dryness on a rotary evaporator at 40 °C water bath temperature. About 50 mg of the ethyl acetate extracts of each plant was weighed, redissolved in 1 ml of the extraction solvent and then tested for antifungal activities.

Burgaltai' cultivar of alfalfa is the most important forage in Mongolia and its yield had decreasing last decades due to cross pollination. This study was conducted for increasing leaf size of 'Burgaltai' cultivar through Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation transferring growth regulating factor AtGRF2 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana. In vitro regeneration was derived from seven day old hypocotyl and cotyledon explants for callus induction. Induced calli were used for shoot induction and proliferation. Proliferated shoots carried to root induction medium. The best calli induction medium was MSB5 (Murashige Skoog's medium with Gamborg's vitamin) medium supplemented with 2 mg/L 2,4-D, 0.2 mg/L BAP and 1 mg/L NAA, shoot induction and proliferation media from calli were MSB5 medium supplemented with 1mg/L BAP, 0.1 mg/L NAA, proliferated shoots were rooted on half strength MSB5 medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA. For the genetic transformation, hypocotyl explants used as an initial source. Totally 235 explants were tested to transformation and 30 explants (12.7%) were resistant to hygromycin antibiotics and regenerate plantlets. Plantlets were transferred to the soil and fresh young leaf used for GUS histochemical assay and RT-PCR for confirmation. Among them fully regenerated seven independent transgenic plantlets (T6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 22) were confirmed. Transgenic 'Burgaltai' cv. of alfalfa leaf size was increased by 0.7 cm2 comparing to the wild type. T6 and 11 lines showed 3:1 segregation ratio in T1 progenies (X2=0.04-0.42, p ≤ 0.52-0.84).

Burgaltai' cultivar of alfalfa is the most important forage in Mongolia and its yield had decreasing last decades due to cross pollination. This study was conducted for increasing leaf size of 'Burgaltai' cultivar through Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation transferring growth regulating factor AtGRF2 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana. In vitro regeneration was derived from seven day old hypocotyl and cotyledon explants for callus induction. Induced calli were used for shoot induction and proliferation. Proliferated shoots carried to root induction medium. The best calli induction medium was MSB5 (Murashige Skoog's medium with Gamborg's vitamin) medium supplemented with 2 mg/L 2,4-D, 0.2 mg/L BAP and 1 mg/L NAA, shoot induction and proliferation media from calli were MSB5 medium supplemented with 1mg/L BAP, 0.1 mg/L NAA, proliferated shoots were rooted on half strength MSB5 medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA. For the genetic transformation, hypocotyl explants used as an initial source. Totally 235 explants were tested to transformation and 30 explants (12.7%) were resistant to hygromycin antibiotics and regenerate plantlets. Plantlets were transferred to the soil and fresh young leaf used for GUS histochemical assay and RT-PCR for confirmation. Among them fully regenerated seven independent transgenic plantlets (T6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 22) were confirmed. Transgenic 'Burgaltai' cv. of alfalfa leaf size was increased by 0.7 cm2 comparing to the wild type. T6 and 11 lines showed 3:1 segregation ratio in T1 progenies (X2=0.04-0.42, p ≤ 0.52-0.84).

Burgaltai' cultivar of alfalfa is the most important forage in Mongolia and its yield had decreasing last decades due to cross pollination. This study was conducted for increasing leaf size of 'Burgaltai' cultivar through Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation transferring growth regulating factor AtGRF2 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana. In vitro regeneration was derived from seven day old hypocotyl and cotyledon explants for callus induction. Induced calli were used for shoot induction and proliferation. Proliferated shoots carried to root induction medium. The best calli induction medium was MSB5 (Murashige Skoog's medium with Gamborg's vitamin) medium supplemented with 2 mg/L 2,4-D, 0.2 mg/L BAP and 1 mg/L NAA, shoot induction and proliferation media from calli were MSB5 medium supplemented with 1mg/L BAP, 0.1 mg/L NAA, proliferated shoots were rooted on half strength MSB5 medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA. For the genetic transformation, hypocotyl explants used as an initial source. Totally 235 explants were tested to transformation and 30 explants (12.7%) were resistant to hygromycin antibiotics and regenerate plantlets. Plantlets were transferred to the soil and fresh young leaf used for GUS histochemical assay and RT-PCR for confirmation. Among them fully regenerated seven independent transgenic plantlets (T6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 22) were confirmed. Transgenic 'Burgaltai' cv. of alfalfa leaf size was increased by 0.7 cm2 comparing to the wild type. T6 and 11 lines showed 3:1 segregation ratio in T1 progenies (X2=0.04-0.42, p ≤ 0.52-0.84).

In the present study, screening of aqueous extracts obtained from five medicinally active plants (Melia azedarach, Cassia siamea, Murraya koenigii, Jatropha curcas and Delonix regia) was performed against Aspergillus niger, a causative agent of different destructive diseases of plants. The extracts were also used for the phytochemical screening following Horborne method. The results obtained from this study demonstrated occurrence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, amino acids and terpenes, in the aqueous leaf extract. To obtain an optimum concentration of the extracts, for inhibition of Aspergillus niger, 10%, 15% and 20% concentrations of all the five plants were prepared. The three plants viz., M. azedarach, C. siamea and M. koenigii showed antifungal activity against A. niger in all the concentrations. Inhibition of mycelial growth was lowest at the concentration of 20% of D. regia followed by J. curas. The present protocol showed that the growth of A. niger was inhibited to greater extent at 20% than at lower concentrations of the extracts. It could be suggested that plant extracts could possibly be exploited for the management of seed-borne pathogenic fungi to prevent biodeterioration of seeds in an eco-friendly way.

Pectinases are essential enzymes and command a quarter of all food enzymes sold globally, and are recognized as excellent workhorses in a plethora of industries. These enzymes are mainly sourced from animals, microorganisms and plants, with microbes serving as the main sources, owing to the quality, quantity, ease of extraction and economic considerations. This research study isolated, screened, and identified five pectinase-producing fungi from the soil of decaying fruits and vegetables. The isolated fungal species were cultured and screened for the highest pectinase production using a pectinase screening agar medium containing 1% citrus pectin. Four isolates, identified as Aspergillus niger, Fusarium species, Trichoderma species and Aspergillus flavus, exhibited very high values of pectinase hydrolysis based on the clear zone method, which were 25, 23, 20, and 20 mm for the respective isolates. A secondary pectin hydrolysis screening exercise was conducted afterwards to obtain the highest level of reducing sugars and pectinase released by the isolates. Aspergillus niger, once again, proved to be the best, as it recorded a maximum reducing sugar of 3.92 mg/mL and pectinase enzyme activity of 36.23 U/mL. Soil has the potential to serve as the primary source of fungal species capable of degrading pectin to release pectinase enzymes, which have numerous applications in the production of pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, animal feed, textiles, detergents, protoplast fusion, pulp and paper and biofuels.

The effects of neem formulations applied as soil drenching on the development of second stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne javanica on roots of susceptible tomato cv. Tiny-Tim was investigated at controlled environment consisted of photoperiod of 16 h light/8 h dark at 30 o C during light and 24.1 o C during dark. Thirty day old seedlings were transplanted singly in 15cm diam., pots filled with autoclaved proprietary based loam. Beginning 7-days after transplant, three neem formations viz., neem cake, aza 5 mg and 10 mg were drenched @ 10 ml per pot. Water and 4% ethanol treated plants were included as check for comparison. Three days after the application, plants were inoculated with freshly hatched 250 J2 suspended in 10 ml of water surrounding root zone of each plant. Each treatment consisted of 5 replications. The experimental plants were completely randomized on a bench in a growth room. The roots of tomato plants drenched with three neem formulations and ethanol equal numbers of J2 penetrated but significantly less than that of water check plants. Three neem treatments including aza (5mg), aza (10mg) arrested the development of J2 over that of water check. The roots of plants treated with aza (10mg) allowed less number of J2 to develop into immature females than on roots of ethanol check plants. The plants treated with all three neem formulations and ethanol responded less in terms of root gall formation over that of water check. Aza at 10mg was found most effective in protecting the roots against nematode infection. These findings warrant the use of neem as biocide to manage the nematode populations.

Seed treatment is one of the main measures for controlling fungal diseases. Pyroligneous extract is derived from burning wood, resulting in a liquid condensed from the smoke, which has biostimulant, chelating and phytosanitary properties, with potential in agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate different concentrations of pyroligneous extract from Eucalyptus sp. in the treatment of chickpea seeds. The research was conducted at the Phytopathology Research Laboratory of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Montes Claros-MG. A completely randomized design (DIC) with four replications was used. The treatments consisted of different concentrations (0, 5, 25, 50 and 75% v/v) of pyroligneous extract from Eucalyptus sp. Aleppo chickpea seeds were immersed for 5 minutes in 100 mL of the different concentrations of pyroligneous extract. The filter paper method or "blotter test" was used for the seed health test. In each gerbox referring to 25 seeds were placed in each box. The seeds were incubated in a BOD chamber at 20 °C with a 12-hour photoperiod for eight days. After this period, the genera of fungi in the seeds were identified and the incidence of fungi in the treatments was determined. The fungi associated with the seeds were Aspergillus sp. (12%), Penicillum sp. (33%), Rhizopus sp. (3.6%) and Fusarium sp. (9.5%). The highest concentrations of Eucalyptus sp. pyroligneous extract showed greater fungal control, reaching 91% at a concentration of 75%. The pyroligneous extract of Eucalyptus sp. has potential for treating chickpea seeds.

Productivity of faba bean is highly constrained by an emerging and destructive faba bean gall (FBG) disease caused by the fungus Physoderma. Field surveys were conducted to assess the spatial and temporal distribution as well as intensity of FBG disease and determine the association of biophysical factors with FBG disease epidemics in Ethiopia, during 2018 and 2019. A total of 783 fields were assessed across 14 districts. FBG disease was present in all surveyed districts with variable incidence and severity. The highest mean FBG disease severity was recorded in Sinan district (64%) and Ankober district (45%) during 2018 and 2019, respectively. The associations of independent variables with disease incidence and severity were analyzed using the logistic regression model. District, altitude (≥2700 m), poorly drained soil, high weed and crop density, flowering stage, manure application, and early or late planting showed a significant association (P < 0.0001) with FBG disease incidence and severity. FBG disease was found as a major production constraint in all survey districts. Therefore, proper soil drainage, weed managements, adjusting crop density, recommended planting time along with tolerant varieties should be targeted.