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<p>Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) is an important food security crop in Ethiopia. However, fungi reduce its production. This study was conducted to identify maize kernel mycoflora and determine key biophysical drivers of their occurrence frequency in eastern Ethiopia during the 2021 main cropping season. Data on biophysical drivers were gathered through on spot field observations and interviews with 180 maize growers selected from six districts, followed by kernel mycological analyses. The frequency of fungi and drivers’ characteristics were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The forms and strength of the variables relationships were qualitatively determined using multiple correspondence analyses. Logistic regression was also used to analyses the association of fungal frequency with biophysical drivers. The highest (35%) frequency of <i>Aspergillus</i> species was recorded from samples of Haramaya district. Similarly, Boke exhibited the highest frequencies of <i>Fusarium</i> (25%), Yeast (6%), and <i>Penicillium</i> (5%) species. On the contrary, the lowest frequencies of <i>Aspergillus</i> (24%), <i>Fusarium</i> (12%), <i>Penicillium</i> (2%), and Yeast (1%) species were recovered from Meta, Haramaya, Oda Bultum, and Tulo districts, respectively. The multiple correspondence analyses identified the positive and negative contributors of major gradient. Integrated crop protection (PR4) and higher altitude (AL2) were found the strongest positive contributors for the explained variation of primary dimension. Among significantly associated drivers, district with <i>Fusarium</i>, <i>Aspergillus</i>,Yeast, and <i>Penicillium</i> as well as sowing time, fertilizer type, weeding and tillage frequencies with <i>Aspergillus</i>, <i>Fusarium</i>, and Yeast species were found the most important variables. Hence, there is need for intervention with significantly and more consistently associated drivers. Frequent weeding and tillage practices, sowing at appropriate time, and apply fertilizer in combination can be prioritized to design management strategies. However, inclusion of more biophysical drivers and yield loss assessment needs further attention to reach at more meaningful conclusion.</p>

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Biophysical drivers of maize kernel mycoflora in Eastern Ethiopia: implications for designing sustainable management strategies

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月20日

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  • Abera Girma,
  • Habtamu Terefe,
  • Abdi Mohammed,
  • Zelalem Bekeko,
  • Tullu Tadessa

摘要

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important food security crop in Ethiopia. However, fungi reduce its production. This study was conducted to identify maize kernel mycoflora and determine key biophysical drivers of their occurrence frequency in eastern Ethiopia during the 2021 main cropping season. Data on biophysical drivers were gathered through on spot field observations and interviews with 180 maize growers selected from six districts, followed by kernel mycological analyses. The frequency of fungi and drivers’ characteristics were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The forms and strength of the variables relationships were qualitatively determined using multiple correspondence analyses. Logistic regression was also used to analyses the association of fungal frequency with biophysical drivers. The highest (35%) frequency of Aspergillus species was recorded from samples of Haramaya district. Similarly, Boke exhibited the highest frequencies of Fusarium (25%), Yeast (6%), and Penicillium (5%) species. On the contrary, the lowest frequencies of Aspergillus (24%), Fusarium (12%), Penicillium (2%), and Yeast (1%) species were recovered from Meta, Haramaya, Oda Bultum, and Tulo districts, respectively. The multiple correspondence analyses identified the positive and negative contributors of major gradient. Integrated crop protection (PR4) and higher altitude (AL2) were found the strongest positive contributors for the explained variation of primary dimension. Among significantly associated drivers, district with Fusarium, Aspergillus,Yeast, and Penicillium as well as sowing time, fertilizer type, weeding and tillage frequencies with Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Yeast species were found the most important variables. Hence, there is need for intervention with significantly and more consistently associated drivers. Frequent weeding and tillage practices, sowing at appropriate time, and apply fertilizer in combination can be prioritized to design management strategies. However, inclusion of more biophysical drivers and yield loss assessment needs further attention to reach at more meaningful conclusion.