Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Faba bean is multi-purpose crop that plays an important role in the socio-economic life of farming communities. Chocolate spot disease, caused by Botrytis fabae is one of the yields limiting factor of this crop resulting in yield losses up to 68% in Ethiopia. Both field survey and the experiment were conducted in Tach Gayint district South Gondar Administrative Zone during 2019/2020 main cropping season to assess the importance of chocolate spot disease of faba bean and to determine the integration of faba bean varieties and fungicide on reducing faba bean chocolate spot disease. In the survey a total of 60 faba bean fields were assessed in six (6) KAs and most fields were affected by chocolate spot. But the status of disease incidence and severity was varied. Significant differences among locations were observed due to altitude, soil type, planting density, date of planting, crop growth stages and farm history of the fields. Independent variables such as: Altitude, farm history, crop growth stage, date of planting and planting density were significantly associated with both disease incidence and severity when entered first and last into a model. The finding indicates that lowest plant density and late planting of the crop reduces the incidence and severity of the disease. The experiment was conducted on farmer’s field. The experiment consisted of 12 treatments, viz. three faba bean varieties (Walki, Gora and Local) and four rate of Mancozeb fungicide (0, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5kg/ha) in factorial arrangement. The experiment was laid out as randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Both disease and crop parameters were recorded. Disease incidence was reached at maximum percentage in all treatments on the last day of assessment. But treatments were significantly difference in severity level. The least disease severities was recorded from variety Walki treated with 3.5kg/ha and 2.5kg/ha Mancozeb 80% WP fungicide rate (12.7 and 13%) respectively, and (20.8% and 18.1%) on varieties local and Gora respectively at the final dates of disease assessment (112 DAS). Similarly the reduced AUDPC was recorded from variety Walki treated with 3.5kg/ha and 2.5kg/ha Mancozeb 80% WP fungicide with mean values (371.8%unit/day and 403.8 % unit/day) respectively, and (539 and 686.4 % days) on varieties Gora and Local respectively. The highest grain yield (4.5 ton ha-1) was recorded on variety Walki which was sprayed with Mancozeb 80% WP fungicide at a rate of 2.5 kg ha-1 and (3.9 ton/ha and 3.4 ton/ha ) on Gora and Local varieties sprayed with 3.5kg/ha of fungicide rate respectively. The highest cost benefit (90468.75 ETB ha-1) was also recorded on variety Walki which was sprayed with Mancozeb 80% WP fungicide at a rate of 2.5 kg ha-1 and (76923 ETB ha-1and 65952 ETB ha-1 ) on Gora and Local varieties sprayed with 3.5kg/ha of fungicide rate respectively. In general, high disease epidemics (AUDPC values of 1927.5, 1238.6 and 686.87 % days) occurred on unsprayed plots of the varieties Local , Gora and Walki, respectively, and it caused considerable yield loss (47.1%, 27.9% and 19%) on these varieties (Local , Gora and Walki) respectively, as compared to the best protected plots sprayed with 3.5 kg/ha of fungicide rate on varieties Local and Gora and 2.5kg/ha of fungicide rate on variety Walki. Depends on the economic analysis plots treated with mancozeb fungicide at a rate of (2.5kg/ha) gave maximum rate of marginal return and good net benefit. Based on the results obtained, variety Walki treated with Mancozeb 80% WP at 2.5 kg/ha of fungicide rate was effective to reduce the yield loss of faba bean and could be recommended to