Significance of Phytoptora Disease with Special Emphasis to Avocado and Pine Apple in South Western Ethiopia: A Review

Avocado was introduced to Ethiopia by private orchard owners around Hirna and Wondogenet in 1938. Gradually its cultivation spread nation-wide with satisfactory adoption to different agro ecologies. Pineapple also grows successfully around Gojeb, Jimma, Mizan, Bebeka, Teppi and Dilla areas. Avocado and pine apple root rot was observed in Ethiopia during 1990 and in 2010 at the Jimma Research centre (JARC) and Gojeb farm Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), Kaffa zone, Gimbo district respectively. The survey result of Jimma Agricultural Research revealed avocado root rot caused by phytoptora cinnamomi was observed in avocado producing areas of Jimma, Iluabbobora, Kafa and Sheka Zones. At Gojeb farm Smooth cayenne introduced from Kenya in 1980 and South Africa in 2005 was found highly susceptible to pine apple root rot as compared red Spanish cultivar. The notorious nature of Phytoptora as pathogens probably lies on their capacity to cause diseases in broad range of hosts covering crop plants, ornamentals, and woody trees horticultural and forestry value. Management of phytoptora disease is based on a number of principles such as avoiding infections through basic hygiene limiting susceptibility through drainage and irrigation, improving soil health, use of disease resistant germplasm. Management practices for the control of Phytoptora diseases vary and no complete management program can totally eradicate diseases caused by phytoptora species. Once an area is infested with Phytoptora, total eradication is difficult. While total eradication is not possible, well developed management plans can assist in restricting intensification and spread of known infestations and limits its spread to new sites. Lack of concerted research interventions and limited knowledge of the pathogen aggravate the situation. Therefore increase awareness among stakeholders through trainings, search for varietal resistance are considered critical components of an effective avocado and pine apple root rot management strategy in South West Ethiopia. Keywords: Phytoptora, Avocado, Pineapple