Distribution and seasonal variation on occurrence of wheat stem rust in Tigray, Ethiopia

Teklay Abebe Teferi

Abstract

Stem rust is the major diseases of wheat in Ethiopia, causing significant losses to yield and quality in years with suitable conditions. A survey of wheat rusts were carried out in South Tigray for four consecutive years (2010-2013) and rust trap nursery trial in 2014 to monitor the status and importance of stem rust. Sixty-six, 52, 61, and 70 wheat fields were examined, of which, 33.3%, 9.6%, 19.2% and 10% were infected with stem rust from 2010-2013, respectively. The maximum incidence and severity of stem rust was scored in Raya-Azebo and Raya-Azebo districts. Most of the high yielding commercial wheat cultivars (58.3%) were susceptible to stem rust, putting a significant wheat proportion at risk. Similarly, most of the stem rust assistance genes were affected by the pathogen population at different intensity level. Hence, durable rust resistance may be achieved by pyramiding, that is, accumulating several effective resistance genes in one cultivar helped to extent the longevity of resistance against the disease.