Using accurate detection tools to develop a successful management strategy for lentil and chickpea viruses in farmers' fields in the highlands of Ethiopia

Since 2019, farmers in the highlands of Ethiopia are losing their chickpea and lentil crops because of virus epidemics, and lentil production area in Ethiopia was reduced due to the virus infection. Based on FAOSTAT, lentil production (tonnes) and Area Harvested (ha) in Ethiopia decreased from 166,274 tonnes and 113,685 ha during 2016 to 113,018 tonnes and 84,512 ha during 2020, respectively (FAOSTAT, 2022). Knowing the exact identity of viruses affecting both crops is essential for breeding for resistance and crop management purposes. To achieve this, field surveys were carried out for four consecutive seasons (2019-2022) in collaboration between ICARDA and Ethiopian researchers, using up-to-date detection tools to monitor virus incidence and distribution on lentil and chickpea crops in the highlands of Ethiopia. Data generated can be used by plant pathologists, scientists, breeders, plant protection organizations, policy makers, National agricultural research, and extension agencies to mitigate the viral diseases

Genetic diversity of two viruses affecting lentil and chickpea crops in the highlands of Ethiopia

Chickpea and lentil are the major legume crops grown in Ethiopia, providing people with balanced nutrition of proteins, minerals, fibers, and carbohydrates. Since 2019, farmers in the highlands of Ethiopia are losing their crops because of virus epidemics, and lentil production area in Ethiopia was reduced due to the virus infection. Knowing genetic variation and the exact identity of viruses affecting crops is essential for breeding for resistance and crop management purposes. Serological tests for more than 2000 chickpea and lentil samples showed that the most important viruses are Chickpea chlorotic stunt virus (CpCSV) on both crops, and Pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) on lentil. Representative samples were selected for further analysis with RT-PCR and sequence to identify the isolates at molecular level. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Ethiopian PSbMV isolates (5 lentil & 1 chickpea) are clustered with pathotype 2, and CpCSV isolates (3 chickpea & 2 lentil) are clustered with Serogroup-I