Research Article
Survey and Distribution of Major Disease Pests on Barley and Wheat Crops at North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Megersa Terefa*
,
Adisu Regassa,
Shalema Feyissa
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
17-25
Received:
1 January 2026
Accepted:
11 March 2026
Published:
20 April 2026
Abstract: Wheat and barley production in Ethiopia is challenged with different biotic and a biotic factors. Rusts and Septoria tritici blotch in wheat and spot blotch, stem rust, scald and loose smut in barley are among the most important biotic constraints. This study was designed to identify the distribution, incidence and severity of major wheat and barley diseases in the highland of North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A total of 69 wheat fields were assessed for two years (2022& 2023) during the main cropping season in major wheat and barley growing areas of North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Stem rust, yellow rust and Septoria tritici blotch were the most widely distributed disease in the surveyed fields with disease prevalence percentage of 86, 75 & 60.5% respectively. The highest mean incidence and severity values for stem rust were (73%, 54.9%) recorded in Jida and Dagam district respectively. The highest mean incidence and severity of leaf rust were recorded (52.1%, 54%) in Dagam and wachale district respectively. There were incidences and severities of wheat rusts varied among wheat varieties in the season. The mean disease incidence and severity of Septoria Tritici blotch were recorded (61.6%, 48.7%) in wachale and Debrelibanos.respectivel. The highest mean disease incidence and severity of barley stem rust was recorded (67.3% and 67.5%) in Dagam District respectively. The disease intensity across the survey areas were varies for all diseases. The highest mean disease incidence and severity of barley spot blotch was also recorded (66.8% and 51.16%) in Dagam and Wachale districts respectively. The present findings confirmed, wheat yellow rust and stem rust also Septoria tritici blotch and spot blotch, stem rust, Loose smut and scald in barley found to be major important cereal diseases in North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Hence, it is better to use an appropriate management method like the use of improved varieties and supply of resistance varieties for the management options in the study area.
Abstract: Wheat and barley production in Ethiopia is challenged with different biotic and a biotic factors. Rusts and Septoria tritici blotch in wheat and spot blotch, stem rust, scald and loose smut in barley are among the most important biotic constraints. This study was designed to identify the distribution, incidence and severity of major wheat and barle...
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Research Article
Comparative Effects of Maize Cob Biochar and Inorganic Fertilizer on Soil Properties and Maize Productivity
Ogboji Simon Nwafor*,
Ajayi Ademola Johnson,
Akinbuwa Olumakinde,
Aregbesola Bosede,
Afolabi Joseph
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
26-34
Received:
1 April 2026
Accepted:
17 July 2026
Published:
30 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.abb.20261402.12
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Abstract: Declining soil fertility is a major constraint to sustainable crop production in sub-Saharan Africa, and sole reliance on inorganic fertilizers raises concerns about long-term soil health. This study evaluated the effects of maize cob biochar and NPK fertilizer, applied individually and in combination, on soil properties, growth, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Akure, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Treatments included control, biochar (1.5 and 3.0 t/ha), NPK fertilizer (100 and 200 kg/ha), and a combined application of 1.5 t/ha biochar with 100 kg/ha fertilizer. Growth parameters measured included plant height, leaf area index, internode length, and stem girth, while yield indices and post-harvest soil chemical properties were also assessed. Results showed that all treatments significantly improved maize performance compared to the control. Biochar alone produced the highest growth values and yield components, including cob weight (375.12 g), number of seeds per cob (707.80), and seed weight per cob (203.53 g), compared to the control (161.50 g, 104.73, and 37.49 g, respectively). The combined treatment also recorded high values (313.52 g, 670.50, and 169.94 g). Biochar improved soil properties, increasing organic carbon (0.89%) and organic matter (1.52%) relative to the control (0.69% and 0.19%), while fertilizer enhanced available phosphorus (5.39 cmol/kg). The study concludes that integrating maize cob biochar with inorganic fertilizer is an effective and sustainable strategy for improving soil fertility and maize productivity.
Abstract: Declining soil fertility is a major constraint to sustainable crop production in sub-Saharan Africa, and sole reliance on inorganic fertilizers raises concerns about long-term soil health. This study evaluated the effects of maize cob biochar and NPK fertilizer, applied individually and in combination, on soil properties, growth, and yield of maize...
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