Variety trials with haricot bean have long been studied; varietal response for maximum yielding ability, however, depends on agro-ecological conditions of a particular growing environment. Therefore, the current study evaluates the performance of varieties on growth, yield and yield components of Haricot bean at two locations of Bench-Maji Zone. The treatment consists of eight nationally released varieties and one local check. The experiments were conducted during 2015 and 2016 main cropping seasons at South Bench and Menit Shasha districts, respectively. It was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on growth yield and yield related parameters were collected and analyzed using SAS software. The results showed that varieties had a significant effect on plant height, primary branches, number of pods per plant, and number of seeds per pod, stand count at harvest, total biomass, harvesting index, 100 seed weight, and grain yield. Four nationally released varieties, namely Nasir, Roba, Awash-Melka and Red Wolayita were found to be the top performing and best-adapted varieties under the agro-ecological conditions of the studied areas. On the other hand, variety Nasir outperformed over the local checks, at both locations. The yield advantage of this variety over the local checks at Menit Shasha and South Bench districts was 23 and 37%, respectively. Therefore, variety Nasir is recommended for cultivation in the studied areas and other locations with similar agroecological conditions. If need arises for additional confirmation; further adaptation trials across more locations and years are of paramount importance.

This research was initiated following the outbreak of Aulacaspis tubercularis in bench Maji zone with the objective to assess information about occurrence and extent of pest infestation and distribution. Informal survey was conducted first to have a better insight and identify the major pest infested areas. Accordingly, three infested Kebeles namely, Otowa chole, Kuja and Berji in Guraferda woreda were purposefully selected. Among the three districts; only the farmers in Otowa Chole were interviewed about the case. A total of 45 respondents were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. For rating infestation level over season five mango trees were randomly selected and marked in the each Kebele. Ten leaves were randomly picked from each tree for counting the clusters of white scales formed on leaves using magnifying lens. The data collected on periodic field inspection and farmers interview were subjected to statistical analysis using SAS and SPSS software, respectively. The survey result indicated that the newly emerged pest was spread from its original infestation area to some mango growing neighboring districts and caused a significant yield reduction in mango plant. The survey also indicated that no significant control method was practiced by the farmers. Rate of infestation was influenced by interaction effect of Kebele and season. Status of pest infestation in each kebele over season showed that rate of pest infestation varied from moderate to severe. However, both the magnitude and pattern of pest infestations were not the same at all Kebeles and season. Due to poor quarantine system in the country the pest is aggressively invading the major mango producing areas of the Zone. Thus, identification of effective bio-control agents that is environmentally safe and cost effective method is highly recommended as sustainable solution to save the whole mango loss from the country.