Incidence of diseases and insect pests on Ziziphus spp. in Wag-himra Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Ziziphus species are drought-tolerant trees widely distributed in the drylands of Ethiopia, providing critical forage and nutritional resources for humans and livestock. Despite their importance, these species are increasingly threatened by diseases and insect pests, yet information on their prevalence, distribution, and severity remains limited. This study aimed to identify and document the major diseases and insect pests of
Ziziphus species and assess their incidence, severity, and spatial distribution in the Wag-Himra Zone. Six purposively selected kebeles across two districts were surveyed during the fruiting season. Occurrence of pests and diseases was recorded through visual observation of symptoms. Four major diseases Anthracnose, Fruit Spot, Fusarium Wilt, and Fruit Rust and two insect pests leaf-eating caterpillars and fruit borers were identified. Anthracnose affected both unripe and ripe fruits as well as leaves in midland and lowland areas, while Fruit Rust was observed on all sampled tree parts. Fruit Spot and fruit borers were the most frequently encountered pests in both agro-ecologies. The findings provide baseline information on the status, prevalence, and severity of pests and diseases affecting Ziziphus species in dryland Ethiopia. Given
their economic and nutritional importance, further research is recommended to evaluate their impact on fruit yield and to develop effective management strategies for sustainable production and improved fruit quality.