Epidemiology of Chocolate Spot (Botrytis fabae sard.) and Faba Bean (Vicia faba l.) Resistance Potential for Disease Control in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important pulse crop produced all over the world, however, its production is reducing especially due to chocolate spots (Botrytis fabae Sard.) which is a highly dominant and damaging disease in Ethiopia. The objective of this review is; to point out the opportunities and challenges of disease epidemics and the resistance potential of faba bean crops in Ethiopia. This disease, causing a yield reduction up to 34 to 67% varies on the tolerances and the susceptibility of the cultivar as well as environmental variables. Its occurrence differs among districts, years, growth stages, agronomic practices, and climatic conditions. Under favorable conditions, chocolate spot disease increases as the plant's growth stage and the quantity as well as the potential of inoculum transported to the crop canopy and the time of arrival of inoculum related to the stage of the crop development and weather condition. The main selection criterion and epidemiological components of resistance are infection efficiency, the extent of symptoms, and the latent period. Some efforts have been made to integrate host plant resistance, epidemiological knowledge, chemical and cultural practices to manage the disease.