Effect of yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) and its management on yield and yield components of bread wheat

Abstract

Abstract Field trials were conducted to evaluate wheat varieties and fungicides against yellow rust of wheat. Four wheat varieties (Digalu, Hidase, Danda’a, Honkolo) and two fungicides (Nativo SC 300, Tilt 250EC) were tested at two hotspot areas (Albazar and Alicho) of Southern Ethiopia. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications. Nativo SC 300 resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) grain yield increment of 51%, 178.4% and 528.5% at Albazar and 85%, 206.1% and 586.2% at Alicho on the treated plot of Danda’a, Hidase and Digalu, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between disease parameters and grain yield. Based on cost-benefit analysis, application of fungicides was cost effective in controlling the disease. The resistant variety Honkolo and Nativo SC 300 can be used for management of yellow rust and improve yield of wheat. Graphical Abstract