Journal of Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Abstract

Performance Evaluation and Diseases Reaction of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties in East Gojjam, North Western Ethiopia

Belachew Bekele*

Bread wheat is an important staple food for Ethiopian people and cultivated in the mid and high land areas of the country. However; the productivity of the crop has been very low, due to numerous factors. Lack of improved disease resistance varieties are among the major factors in the area. To alleviate such problem evaluation of the performance varieties for disease and yielding potentials across locations is a paramount. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objectives of evaluating the performance of improved bread wheat varieties for diseases resistance and yielding potential under different agro-ecological conditions of the area. Ten bread wheat varieties were evaluated in Randomized Completed Block Design (RCBD) across three locations with two replications during 2023/24 cropping season. The combined analysis of ANOVA revealed that testing locations, varieties and location by varieties interactions showed significant variations for plant height, above ground biomass, septoria disease severity, AUDPC, yellow rust, spike length and grain yield. The highest septoria disease severity (84.0%) and AUDPC value of 2539.8% was recorded on wane variety at Debre Elias testing location. Ogolcho and Hidase varieties were recorded the highest yellow rust infection. Boru and Daka varieties recorded the highest grain yield associated with lower diseases severities across the testing environments. However, the resistance of varieties will break through time thus continues evaluation of released varieties across location is an important strategy to improve the grain yield and quality of produce in the country.

Published Date: 2025-09-11; Received Date: 2024-10-10