Disease Occurrence, Distribution and Intensity of Finger Millet Blast in Northwest Amhara, Ethiopia

Blast disease significantly hampers finger millet production and causes considerable yield reductions. This research aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of finger millet blast in the major finger millet-growing districts of Northwestern Amhara. Field surveys were carried out in 270 farmer fields across five districts during the main growing seasons from September to November in 2022 and 2023. Blast disease was identified in all surveyed districts, with different incidence levels affected by agroecological conditions, farming methods, and crop varieties. Incidence rates varied from 15.21% to 58.26%, with Siemen Achefer showing the highest mean incidence of 56.54%, while Dangila had the lowest value of 17.69%. The overall average incidence across all districts was 33.54%. The severity of the disease also differed significantly, ranging from 18.24% to 86.98%. The highest severity has been recorded in Jabi Tehnan district, with an average severity of 65.38%. Conversely, the lowest mean severity was scored in Takusa, with a mean of 36.16% with the overall average severity of 51.50% across all districts. Variations in cultivars, crop management practices and agroecological factors may have influenced the intensity of blast disease. The findings highlight the significant threat that blast disease poses to finger millet cultivation in the studied areas. The rising incidence and severity of the disease indicate a growing risk of significant yield losses. Consequently, immediate measures are required to establish effective management strategies for blast control to improve finger millet production and productivity.