Evaluating the efficacy of fungicides for the management of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) in West Gondar.

Gelaye M, Kefale AAY, Worku M

Published: 1 October 2025 in BMC plant biology
Keywords: Anthracnose, Colletotrichum spp., Fungicide efficacy, Seed dressing Foliar spray, Sorghum
Pubmed ID: 41034698
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-025-07240-z

Sorghum is a critical food crop in Ethiopia, yet its productivity is severely threatened by anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum sublineolum. The present study was conducted in West Gondar, Amhara Region, during the 2022 growing season, with field experiments established at Metema and West Armachiho. A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed to evaluate the efficacy and profitability of various fungicide regimes. Treatments included both single and combined applications of Thiram, Tilt, Redomil, and Natura, delivered as seed dressings, foliar sprays, or their combination, alongside an untreated control. The experiments utilized the susceptible local cultivar 'Tewzale' in 4 × 3 m plots, with 5 cm intra-row and 75 cm inter-row spacing. Statistical analysis indicated highly significant differences among treatments for key parameters: percent severity index (PSI), area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), yield, and thousand seed weight (TSW) (p