Influence of chickpea Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum F.Sp.Ciceris) on Desi and Kabuli-type of chickpea in integrated disease management option at wilt sick plot in North Western Ethiopia

Field experiment was carried out for two years at artificially Fusarium pathogen infested field at Adet research center in North Western Ethiopia, to determine the effect of chickpea fusarium wilt on desi and kabuli-type of chickpea using integrated disease management option that is varieties, planting dates and seed bed preparation methods. Four varieties, i.e., Kabuli type (Shasho) and three desi type Marye , JG-62 and Adet local were used as, JG-62 (susceptible check), Adet local (control), Marye and Shasho (both improved); three planting dates at 15-day intervals, i.e., early, farmers and late; and three seed bed preparation methods including flat bed, raised bed and ridge and furrow were used as treatments. Treatments were arranged in a factorial combination in a Randomized Complete Block Design in three replications. The number of seedlings emerged; dead plants due to wilt, and grain yield per plot were recorded for each desi and kabuli type of chickpea. Data was analyzed using the SAS system for windows V8. The results indicated that compared with the control. The kabuli type Shasho was the most resistant variety to wilt, followed by desi-type Marye. Mortality of the susceptible check, JG-62, due to wilting was 100%. The 2nd planting date and the raised bed exhibited relatively lower rate of mortality. Interactions of desi and kabuli type of chickpea variety, planting date and seed bed preparation were significant. Desi and kabuli type varieties varied in grain yield significantly. The kabuli type Shasho and desi type Marye gave better yield than the Adet local (desi type). The farmer planting date gave better yield than early and late plantings. Seed bed preparation methods did not significantly vary in grain yield. Although not statistically significant, raised beds and ridge and furrow plots gave better yield than flat beds. Raised beds gave 31% more yield than the flat bed and close to 27.8% more yield than the ridge and furrow. The results indicate that kabuli type Shasho was the most resistant variety to wilt compare with desi types and advantage of using cultural management as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option to control chickpea fusarium wilt disease. It is concluded that the kabuli type Shasho better than desi type varieties, planting dates and to some extent seed bed preparation methods contribute to the management of wilt disease and so enhance productivity of chickpeas in northwestern Ethiopia.