Spatial distribution and association of factors influencing sorghum anthracnose (Colletotrichum sublineolum) epidemics in Eastern Ethiopia

Sorghum is an important stable food crop in Ethiopia. However, production of the crop is adversely affected by biotic and abiotic constraints among which sorghum anthracnose (Colletotrichum sublineolum) is the major one. A field survey was conducted to determine the distribution and association of sorghum anthracnose with biophysical factors in eastern Ethiopia. A total of 125 fields were assessed in five districts and results revealed that all the surveyed fields were infected with anthracnose. However, significant variations observed in anthracnose intensity across the surveyed districts. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association of sorghum anthracnose with independent variables. High (≥ 60%) disease severity was highly associated with districts Girawa, Tullo and Haramaya, sole cropping system, early sowing date and continuous growing of sorghum. Lower anthracnose severity had a high probability of association with Babile district, residue removal, flowering growth stage, weed control, and rotation of different crops in the field. High distribution of sorghum anthracnose in the study areas requires effective and feasible management options to be developed.