Research Article
Survey and Distribution of Major Disease Pests on Barley and Wheat Crops at North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Megersa Terefa*
,
Adisu Regassa,
Shalema Feyissa
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
17-25
Received:
1 January 2026
Accepted:
11 March 2026
Published:
20 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.abb.20261402.11
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Abstract: Wheat and barley production in Ethiopia is challenged with different biotic and a biotic factors. Rusts and Septoria tritici blotch in wheat and spot blotch, stem rust, scald and loose smut in barley are among the most important biotic constraints. This study was designed to identify the distribution, incidence and severity of major wheat and barley diseases in the highland of North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A total of 69 wheat fields were assessed for two years (2022& 2023) during the main cropping season in major wheat and barley growing areas of North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Stem rust, yellow rust and Septoria tritici blotch were the most widely distributed disease in the surveyed fields with disease prevalence percentage of 86, 75 & 60.5% respectively. The highest mean incidence and severity values for stem rust were (73%, 54.9%) recorded in Jida and Dagam district respectively. The highest mean incidence and severity of leaf rust were recorded (52.1%, 54%) in Dagam and wachale district respectively. There were incidences and severities of wheat rusts varied among wheat varieties in the season. The mean disease incidence and severity of Septoria Tritici blotch were recorded (61.6%, 48.7%) in wachale and Debrelibanos.respectivel. The highest mean disease incidence and severity of barley stem rust was recorded (67.3% and 67.5%) in Dagam District respectively. The disease intensity across the survey areas were varies for all diseases. The highest mean disease incidence and severity of barley spot blotch was also recorded (66.8% and 51.16%) in Dagam and Wachale districts respectively. The present findings confirmed, wheat yellow rust and stem rust also Septoria tritici blotch and spot blotch, stem rust, Loose smut and scald in barley found to be major important cereal diseases in North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Hence, it is better to use an appropriate management method like the use of improved varieties and supply of resistance varieties for the management options in the study area.
Abstract: Wheat and barley production in Ethiopia is challenged with different biotic and a biotic factors. Rusts and Septoria tritici blotch in wheat and spot blotch, stem rust, scald and loose smut in barley are among the most important biotic constraints. This study was designed to identify the distribution, incidence and severity of major wheat and barle...
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