A SURVEY OF CROPPING PRACTICES AND FOLIAR DISEASES OF COMMON BEANS INETHIOPIA

Field surveys were conducted in three major bean growing areas of Ethi opia. Data collected included cropping systems and severities of bean diseases. We used correspondence analysis to characterize differences in disease severity between regions and seasons, and to determine asso ciations between geographic areas and cropping systems, areas and dise ases, and cropping systems and diseases. Chi-square analyses suggested a high probability of high plant density, high weediness, high bacter ial blight and high anthracnose being associated with area 1 (Rift Val ley). In area 2 (Sidamo) there was a high probability of high rust int ensity, low plant density and low weediness. Area 3 (Keffa) was charac terized by a high probability of angular and floury leaf spots. In are a 1 (Rift Valley), low rust intensity was closely associated with year 1 (1990) and high rust intensity with year 4 (1993). Anthracnose and bacterial blight showed no clear association with years. Some linkages between cropping systems and disease severities were indicated. In ar eas 1 and 2, there was a high probability of low rust at early sowing and a high probability of bacterial blight at high weediness and high plant density situations. The probability of observing high rust sever ity at high weediness was low. This study suggests that specific needs of areas, with their own production situations, must be considered in the process of developing strategies for the improvement of productio n and crop protection in beans.