Journal of Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Abstract

Critical Time of Fungicide Spray for the Management of Stem Rust (Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici) and its Effect on Grain Yield, Yield Components and Protein Content of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum L.)

Ermias Teshomea*

The trial was conducted during the main season at Sinana Agricultural Research Centre (SARC) for two seasons (2020/21-2021/22). To assess the appropriate fungicide spray time for stem rust management and effect of fungicide spray on grain protein content and the financial profitability of the fungicide spray practice for the management of stem rust. The field experiment was designed using RCB design in three replications involving two durum wheat varieties (Bulala and Bekelcha) and Rex^® Duo sprayed at different time and frequency. The highest mean stem rust severity of 40.19% was recorded from unsprayed Bekelcha variety while the lowest stem rust severity of 0.81% was recorded from Bekelcha variety sprayed 3 times at 14 days interval before disease occurrence. The highest protein content of 13.10% was recorded from Bekelcha variety sprayed twice at 14 days interval with the first spray being before disease occurrence and the lowest grain protein content (11.77%) was recorded from Bulala variety sprayed 3 times at 14 days interval with the first spray being before disease occurrence. Therefore, wheat growers in Bale and similar agro-ecologies are recommended to produce Bulala variety sprayed 2-3 times at 14 days interval, the first spray be started immediately as the first stem rust pustule is observed on the plant surface of the surrounding farms.

Published Date: 2024-12-28; Received Date: 2023-07-17