EIAR/July 31/2024, Addis Abeba
The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) organized a technical workshop focused on Wheat Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) Disease, held at the Nexus Hotel from July 29 to 30, 2024.
Dr. Netsanet Bacha, Director of the Plant Protection Research Directorate at EIAR, delivered the welcoming and opening remarks, highlighting that the workshop is the first of its kind focusing on the emergence, impacts, and management of FHB in Ethiopia.
In her address, Dr. Netsanet emphasized that wheat is a top priority food crop being widely cultivated to ensure food security in the country. However, she underscored that FHB poses a significant threat, identifying it as one of the most destructive diseases affecting wheat crops. The disease has caused widespread damage in humid and semi-humid regions globally and is increasingly re-emerged in main wheat-producing areas of Ethiopia, thereby necessitating prompt management interventions.
Dr. Netsanet mentioned that EIAR is collaborating with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) to enhance the genetic diversity of resistant wheat varieties, screening of effective fungicides and capacity building to combat the impacts of FHB. Furthermore, she revealed that EIAR researchers have received specialized training on FHB management in Mexico and China, aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and developing effective strategies against the disease. Dr. Netsanet highlighted that the workshop is set to deepen collective understanding of the disease, identify areas for further research, share successful experiences from international partners in disease management, and develop effective strategies that integrate national and international partners into a cohesive network aimed at overcoming FHB.
Dr. Nestanet concluded by expressing her gratitude to the workshop organizers, donors, experts, and participants for their contributions to further advance the management of FHB.
In his keynote speech, H.E. Dr. Diriba Geleti, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), highlighted critical facts about Ethiopian agriculture emphasizing population dynamics, rural demographics, smallholder farmers, economic contribution, export crops, and key crops where wheat is among the tops.
In addressing concerns about agricultural production, H.E. Dr. Diriba specifically highlighted Fusarium as a major problem for wheat production. He also outlined the impact of wheat FHB in terms of yield loss, seed quality, and food safety.
H.E. Dr. Diriba insights underline the critical need for research and interventions to enhance agricultural resilience and productivity in Ethiopia while addressing the challenges presented by pests and diseases like Fusarium.
Professor Chemeda Fininsa addressed the serious implications of FHB on wheat production in his keynote speech. FHB is not only a significant threat to yield but also severely affects grain quality, impacting both farmers’ profitability and food safety. He emphasized that FHB is mainly seed- and residue-borne disease.
Finally, a total of 13 technical research papers are presented both in-person and virtually. Various experts, researchers, consultants and other stakeholders have attended the workshop. The conference serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among FHB researchers, contributing to the advancement of agricultural practices and policies aimed at combating this significant crop disease.
#EIAR#CIMMYTMinistry of Agriculture – Ethiopia
