Community based integrated enset bacterial wilt (Xanthomonas Campestris pv. musacearum) management through collective actions in central Ethiopia region

Enset ventricosum (Welw) Cheesman is an important food crop produced in southern part of Ethiopia and plays an important role in food security. However, the production of the crop is declines due to enset bacterial wilt disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris. Hence, the present study was designed with the aim of determining the epidemiology of bacterial wilt with the demonstration and dissemination of integrated disease management options in Mirab Azernet and Cheha district of central Ethiopia during the 2019-2021 growing season. Epidemiological information collected was using semi-structured designed questioners before and after intervention of integrated BW management. Natural epidemics of the disease showed a wide range of disease incidence at different plant growth stages. Based on a base line assessment, the average prevalence and incidence of three kebele in Cheha district were estimated to be 65.7% and 48.1% respectively, while the average prevalence and incidence of three selected kebele in Mirab Athernet were 52.8 and 36.9%, respectively. After intervention, the average prevalence of the disease was reduced to 5.6% in Mirab Azernet and to 10.1% in Cheha district. Sanitary control measures demonstrated the promising result in BW reduction. However, this traditional method of disease management option has not always the sustainable solution to alleviate the disease. To achieve a successful and sustainable bacterial wilt control measure, implementing IDM in enset farming community is the advisable approach to tackle the food insecurity of enset growers.