Assessment of pests of tef (eragrostis tef) in central gondar, ethiopia

Among constraints pests are most limiting factors of tef production in Ethiopia. Surveys were conducted during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons in seven districts of Central Gondar at 5-10 km interval using quadrate (0.09m²) with objective of assessing and identifying tef pests and their intensity. A total of 116 farmers’ fields were assessed, and from these 44 weeds, 8 insect pests and 2 diseases were identified and quantified. Weed species compositions were described by frequency, abundance, dominance and similarity index. Members of Asteraceae and Commelinaceae were found frequently and abundantly across altitudes. From similarity indices, variation was noted in growth stage of tef. Moreover, similarity indices between districts were >60% except in two districts. It also showed that shoot fly and grasshopper were the most prevalent, and smudge and rust diseases were also detected.