Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Haro Sabu research center, Haro Sabu, Ethiopia
Research Article
Distribution and Status of Maize Common Smut (Ustilago maydis) at West and Kellam Wollega Zones, Ethiopia
Author(s): Abay Guta* and Urgessa Tilahun
Maize common smut assessment survey was conducted in the five districts of west and kellem Wollega zones namely
Dale Sadi, Gimbi, Haru, Homa and Lalo Kile in 2015 during crop season. Among all cereals, maize is second to
teff in area coverage in Ethiopia, but first in productivity and total production. Maize smut was seen as an outbreak
at Kellam Wollega although it was not well known so before. Peasant association were randomly selected from
each district and based on the representativeness of maize production of the area The locations in each Peasant
association were at least 4 km (by car speedometer) apart depend on the topography and the relative importance
of maize production. The common smut assessment was made along the two diagonals (in an “X” pattern) of the
field from five points using 3 m × 3 m (9 m2) quadrants. Preva.. View more»