Variation in the resistance of some Vicia faba L.(faba bean) genotypes to Orobanche crenata in Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

The southern highland of Tigray of Ethiopia was one of the most productive pulse producing areas. However, wide spread and high infestation of Orobanche crenata, resulted in yield reduction and the loss was estimated to be up to 100%. In response, an investigation was carried out to evaluate and identify Orobanche resistant and high yielding faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes.  Fourteen resistant faba bean genotypes to Orobanche and a susceptible genotype, which were obtained from International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) were used in the experiments. These genotypes  and one local check were evaluated in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replication during the year of 2009-2010 from July to November. The evaluation was carried out for two cropping seasons in a field naturally infested with O. crenata. The combined analysis showed that genotypes differed in the level of Orobanche infestation and grain yield. The average yield observed for the 50% of the resistant genotypes was two to three-fold higher than the corresponding local and the susceptible genotypes. Thus, the highest mean yield and the lowest Orobanche infestation was obtained from entries ILB4358, Sel.F5/3053/2003-3, Sel.F5/3382/2003-4, and Sel.F5/3085/2003-4 with a yield of 2872.7, 2191.7, 1968.3, and 1800 kg/ha respectively, while the local and susceptible one yielded only 946.7 and 866.3 kg/ha with broomrape count, 37 and 74 per two sq.metre, respectively. In addition, these resistant genotypes showed delay in Orobanche establishment which gave them an advantage over the parasite. As a result, four promising genotypes were selected for further propagation and release. Using these Orobanche resistant genotypes, the dietary requirement of the household could be fulfilled and the nutrient depletion of the area may be addressed as the farmers are using mono-cropping of cereals due to the invasiveness of the particular parasitic weed. Meanwhile, these entries should be promoted for production and utilization of their desirable gene(s) for further research programme and can form appropriate material for an integrated control package.