Spatial and temporal distribution of faba bean gall (Physoderma) disease and its association with biophysical factors in Ethiopia

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• Disease
• Faba bean
• Gall
• Physoderma
• Regression analysis
• Severity

Acknowledgements

The study was financially supported by Amhara Regional Research Institute (ARARI), Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR Project: CIM/2017/030 “Faba Bean in Ethiopia – Mitigating disease constraints to improve productivity and sustainability”) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Africa RISING/USAID through ICARDA. Hence, the institutes are duly acknowledged for supporting the study. We also greatly acknowledge Mr. Tameru Kibret, Mr. Alemayehu Ayele, Mr. Alemnew Fantaye, and Mr. Semegnew Anleye for their assistance during the survey periods.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The study was financially supported by Amhara Regional Research Institute (ARARI), Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR Project: CIM/2017/030 “Faba Bean in Ethiopia – Mitigating disease constraints to improve productivity and sustainability”) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Africa RISING/USAID through ICARDA.