A potential cause for extensive dieback of Acacia mearnsii plantation in highland districts of Awi zone, northwestern Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT: Although Acacia mearnsii De Wild has rapidly expanded for economic and ecological purposes in the highland districts of the Awi zone, northwestern Ethiopia, recent plantations have suffered from severe defoliation, dieback, and stunted growth. We conducted this study in four districts that hold potential for A. mearnsii plantations. The study examined the identification of the causal agent, its occurrence, and local community perceptions of the plantation's significant dieback. Most respondents (75.8 %) indicated that the substantial dieback began in the rainy season of 2020 and spread rapidly. They also noted that close spacing of plantings and limited silvicultural measures exacerbated the damage. We discovered in this study that the wattle rust disease caused by the Uro

SUBMITTER: Tamer M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11402239 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature