Biology, ecology and integrated management of avocado root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi) in Ethiopia: a review

Article Information

Title: Biology, ecology and integrated management of avocado root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi) in Ethiopia: a review

Authors: Taju Mohammednur

Journal: Plant Protection

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
X	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2022-07-01	2023-06-30

Publisher: Center for Community Learning

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2024

Volume: 8

Issue: 3

Language: English

DOI: 10.33804/pp.008.03.5273

Keywords: Phytophthora cinnamomiAvocado Root RotIntegrated Pest ManagementEthiopiaEcology

Abstract

Avocado is an economically important crop in Ethiopia, yet its production and productivity are significantly impacted by both biotic and abiotic factors. Among the biotic threats, avocado root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi stands out as a particularly destructive pathogen, inflicting considerable damage to avocado plants. This paper reviews integrated pest management strategies for combating avocado root rot in Ethiopia. P. cinnamomi thrives in warm, moist conditions, with damage intensifying during the summer when plants are stressed by drought. Locally, the pathogen can spread through soil splash, wind-blown debris, and water runoff. Effective management involves using soil amendments such as organic mulches and gypsum to improve soil structure and drainage, reduce salt levels, and enhance the soil’s natural resistance to the pathogen. Comprehensive control measures are essential for managing avocado root rot, including selecting disease-free sites and nursery plants, applying soil amendments, ensuring proper irrigation, using resistant varieties, and adopting suitable cultural practices. Integrated Pest Management, which incorporates multiple pest control strategies, is critical for minimizing damage and effectively managing avocado root rot. Currently, local landrace avocado varieties in Ethiopia show no resistance to P. cinnamomi . Therefore, it is crucial to screen existing local landraces and replace them with resistant varieties to achieve higher yields and better quality.

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To review integrated pest management strategies for combating avocado root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi in Ethiopia.

Methodology

This is a review article that synthesizes existing literature on the biology, ecology, and integrated management of avocado root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, with a specific focus on the Ethiopian context.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Literature Review on P. cinnamomi Biology, Ecology, and Management] --> B[Synthesis of Information on Ethiopian Context]
    B --> C[Identification of Key Challenges and Gaps]
    C --> D[Formulation of Integrated Pest Management Strategies]
    D --> E[Conclusion and Recommendations for Ethiopia]

Discussion

The review highlights the severe economic impact of avocado root rot in Ethiopia, where production is already constrained by various factors. The lack of resistant varieties is a critical issue, necessitating screening and replacement of current landraces. The discussion emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted IPM strategy, integrating cultural practices, soil management, and potentially biological and chemical controls, to mitigate the disease's effects. The role of soil characteristics and organic matter in disease suppression is also detailed, suggesting that improving soil health is a key component of management.

Key Findings

- Phytophthora cinnamomi is a destructive pathogen significantly impacting avocado production in Ethiopia.
- The pathogen thrives in warm, moist conditions and is exacerbated by drought stress during summer.
- Local Ethiopian landrace avocado varieties currently show no resistance to P. cinnamomi.
- Effective management requires an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, including soil amendments, disease-free planting material, proper irrigation, and resistant varieties.
- Soils with high organic matter, good drainage, and robust microbial populations tend to suppress the pathogen.

Conclusion

Avocado root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi poses a significant threat to avocado production in Ethiopia. An integrated pest management approach, focusing on disease prevention, soil health improvement, and the development and adoption of resistant avocado varieties, is crucial for sustainable avocado cultivation and enhanced yields in the country.

Fact Check

- Phytophthora cinnamomi affects nearly 5,000 plant species. (Confirmed in text)
- Avocado production in Ethiopia ranks it as the 10th largest producer and 6th largest consumer globally. (Confirmed in text)
- The pathogen thrives in soil temperatures above 10-12°C. (Confirmed in text)

Mind Map

Loading PDF...

Loading Statistics...

DefinePK

Select Collection