Distribution and Status of Maize Common Smut (Ustilago maydis) at West and Kellam Wollega Zones, Ethiopia

Abstract

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. Prevalence of maize common smut was 100% in all the districts and the exotic disease species have recently been introduced to the two Zones. This common maize smut was how to introduce not well known. The incidence was ranging from 14.65-22.99% and Incidence of 22.99% was recorded in Dale Sadi, followed by Lalo Kile 20.65%. More than 58.21% of surveyed areas were categorized under low maize common smut incidence which was below 20%. Simple regression analysis was done for disease incidence and severity as response and altitude as predictor variable showed that highly significant (p<0.01) of the overall probability of the equation. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, incidence and severity of maize common smut species in two Zones.