ISSN: 2376-0354
Misganaw Gelaye, Asfaw Azanaw, Yhannis kefale, mintesnot Worku, Wubnhe Ambachew, Bidge wube
Ethiopia is known for potato production, but the productivity of the crop is low due to disease and insect pests. Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is one of the most significant constraints to potato production in the highlands of Ethiopia. A study was conducted to assess the integrated effects of a fungicide (Ridomil) and tow improved and local varieties (gudene, jalene and local) on late blight of potato. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications at tow locations at chiliga districts for tow years (2018 and 2019).
Both variety, fungicide showed highly significant (P<0.01) differences for all the characters except variety by fungicide interaction. The highest total tuber yield (29.580 t ha-1) and the lowest disease severity (80.2%) were recorded from improved varieties, Jalene. The highest disease severity and consequent lowest total tuber yield were recorded on local cultivar and un sprayed.
Application of Ridomil at weekly interval was found to be effective for control of the disease on Improved varieties. However, for Jalene and Gudene, application of Ridomil at one’s a week interval was effective for management of late blight in the highlands of Western Amhara region.