Abstract
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a key staple crop globally and is vital for food security in Ethiopia. However, cereal production is constrained by stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici), particularly in hotspot areas. Agronomic practices such as nitrogen (N) fertilization and fungicide influence the disease development and yield. This study was conducted to assess the interactive effects of wheat variety, nitrogen rate, and fungicide application frequency on stem rust and yield in wheat. Three varieties (Ogolcho-susceptible, Kingbird-moderately resistant, and Wane-resistant), three nitrogen rates (100, 150, and 200 kg N ha−1), and three fungicide frequencies (unsprayed, one spray, and two sprays of Nativo® SC 300) were evaluated. Variety, nitrogen rate, fungicide frequency, and their interactions significantly (p < 0.01) affected disease severity and yield components. The highest stem rust severity (77%) and AUDPC (1250%-days) were recorded in unsprayed plots with Ogolcho receiving N fertilizer at 200 kg N ha−1. Fungicide application reduced rust severity by up to 100% and improved yield by 87–90% relative to unsprayed control. The highest grain yield (3627 kg ha−1) was obtained from Wane with 200 kg N ha−1 and two fungicide sprays. Overall, integrating resistant varieties with balanced nitrogen application and timely fungicide sprays reduced stem rust and enhanced wheat productivity. However, further validation through multi-location and multi-year trials across different agro-ecological zones is recommended to confirm the consistency of these results.
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- Ecology
- Plant sciences
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The authors declare no competing interests.
Ethical approval and consent to participate
Ethical approval was not required for this study because it involved experimental cultivation and management of commercially available wheat varieties, which are not subject to ethical review according to national regulations on plant research in Ethiopia. No human participants or animals were involved in this study.
Plant ethics and guidelines
All plant materials used in this study were cultivated under standard agronomic practices at the Ambo Agricultural Research Center (AARC), West Shoa, Ethiopia. The study complied with all relevant institutional, national, and international guidelines for plant research and experimentation. No genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or protected species were used.
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The wheat varieties Ogolcho, Kingbird, and Wane were obtained from Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (KARC), which serves as a national center of excellence for wheat research. Proper authorization was obtained from KARC for the use of these plant materials in field experiments. No wild or endangered plant species were collected.
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Not applicable, as the study did not involve human participants or animals.
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Appendix
Appendix
See Tables 6 and 7.
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Gemechu, N., Chala, A., Tola, J. et al. Integrated management of wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) through variety, nitrogen, and fungicide application.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-60594-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-60594-8
Keywords
- Wheat
- Stem rust
- Nitrogen fertilizer
- Fungicide frequency
- AUDPC
Source: Ecology - nature.com
