Occurrence of Faba Bean Diseases and Determinants of Faba Bean Gall (Physoderma sp.) Epidemics in Ethiopia

Physoderma fungal species cause faba bean gall (FBG) which devastates faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in the Ethiopian highlands. In three regions (Amahara, Oromia, and Tigray), the relative importance, distribution, intensity, and association with factors affecting FBG damage were assessed for the 2019 (283 fields) and 2020 (716 fields) main cropping seasons. A logistic regression model was used to associate biophysical factors with FBG incidence and severity. Amhara region has the highest prevalence of FBG (95.7%), followed by Tigray (83.3%), and the Oromia region (54%). Maximum FBG incidence (78.1%) and severity (32.8%) were recorded from Amhara and Tigray areas, respectively. The chocolate spot was most prevalent in West Shewa, Finfinne Special Zone, and North Shewa of the Oromia region. Ascochyta blight was found prevalent in North Shewa, West Shewa, Southwest Shewa of Oromia, and the South Gondar of Amhara. Faba bean rust was detected in all zones except for the South Gonder and North Shewa, and root rot disease was detected in all zones except South Gonder, South Wollo, and North Shewa of Amahara. Crop growth stage, cropping system, altitude, weed density, and fungicide, were all found to affect the incidence and severity of the FBG. Podding and maturity stage, mono-cropping, altitude (>2,400), high weed density, and non-fungicide were found associated with increased disease intensities. However, crop rotation, low weed infestation, and fungicide usage were identified as potential management options to reduce FBG disease.