Spatial Distribution and Association of Chickpea Wilt/Root Rots Epidemics with Biophysical Factors at West Shewa, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) is one of the important grain legume crops in Africa particularly in Ethiopia which widely grown in marginal soils and usually as rotational crops in highland and semi-highland regions of the country and also as a source of cash to the farmers and foreign currency in Ethiopia. However, its production is totally affected by many pest and diseases. Among biotic stresses, wilt or root rot diseases are considered as the major problems in chickpea production. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the assessment of chickpea wilts disease intensity, in West Shewa, Ethiopia. Field survey was carried out in purposively selected Kebeles of Ambo and Dendi districts of West Shewa, Ethiopia. The results of the study revealed that, among 70 chickpea fields surveyed in both districts, the overall mean prevalence and incidence of the disease were 92.9%, and 35.09%, respectively. The higher prevalence and incidence of the disease was recorded in Ambo district with 40.96% and 93.5%, respectively while, in Dendi district it was 29.10% and 92.3%, respectively. Therefore, proper weed management practices, planting improved varieties and other related farm practices should be carried out to reduce wilt or rot impact until resistant chickpea genotypes are developed and distributed to major chickpea production regions of the country. Effective and feasible integrated management options need to be developed on chickpea wilt/root rot diseases in the countr