Evaluation of Fenugreek (trigonella foenum graecum) genotypes against Powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) in Ethiopia

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) is indigenous to countries on the Eastern shores of the Mediterranean, but widely cultivated in India, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco and including England. Fenugreek mainly used as a herb (leaves) and as a spice (seed), medicinal value and also as nitrogen fixation and soil enrichment. Ethiopia has suitable environmental condition for fenugreek production, it grows under agro ecologies ranging from 1800 to 2300m.a.s.l. Powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe polygoni is an economically important disease especially during flowering and pod formation stage of the crop and cause significant loss in grain quality as well as quantity. Present study done using lattice design during 2021/2022 cropping season under natural epidemic conditions with objectives to identify source of resistance among 100 Ethiopian fenugreek materials for further resistance breeding program and to identify high yielding genotypes for sustainable production. The study identified genotypes namely 31088 and 237983 showing moderately resistant reaction and 43 genotypes as moderately resistant type. The remaining genotypes showed susceptible reaction. The study result recommended to have a crossing program between genotypes 31088, 237983 and 20428 and 35190 and 31087 for improved resistance and higher yield. Present result suggests genotypes 31088 and 237983 can be used as resistant material for further resistant breeding.