Evaluation of Ethiopian Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Genotypes against Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) at Ambo District, West Shewa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) is one of the most important spice crops in Ethiopia.  Ethiopia has suitable environmental conditions for fenugreek production and the crop has extraordinary economic importance in the country. However, Powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe polygoni is an economically important disease, especially during the flowering and pod formation stage of the crop and causes significant loss in grain quality as well as quantity. In order to identify resistance materials against the disease, one hundred Ethiopian fenugreek accessions were evaluated. The study was conducted in Ambo district, Bayo Qurbi Farmer’s Association Farmers Training Center, during the 2020 main cropping season with alpha lattice design. The study was made under natural epidemic conditions with objectives to identify the source of resistance in Ethiopian Fenugreek materials for further resistance breeding programs and to identify a high-yielding genotype for sustainable production. The study identified two fenugreek genotypes namely 31088 and 237983 showing resistant reactions and 43 genotypes as moderately resistant type. The remaining genotypes showed susceptible reactions.  The study also identifies three higher-yielding accessions namely 20428, 35190 and 31087. The results of the study conclude having a crossing program between resistant accessions (31088, 237983) and higher yielding accessions 20428, 35190 and 31087 can result in improved resistance and better yield. The study would be helpful for the development of the breeding program and further improvement of fenugreek crop. Accordingly based on this study genotypes 31088 and 237983 can be used as resistant material for further resistant breeding.