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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #235604

Title: Powdery mildew of chickpea

Author
item Dugan, Frank
item ATTANAYAKE, K. P. R. N. - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV
item GLAWE, D. A. - WASHINGTON STATE UNIV
item Chen, Weidong

Submitted to: Compendium of Chickpea and Lentil Diseases and Pests
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2010
Publication Date: 1/10/2011
Citation: Dugan, F.M., Attanayake, K., Glawe, D., Chen, W. 2011. Powdery Mildew of Chickpea. Compendium of Chickpea and Lentil Diseases and Pests. p. 51-52.

Interpretive Summary: Powdery mildew is a sporadic disease of chickpea and could be important on certain chickpea cultivars in certain production regions. This chapter describes the distribution, symptoms and pathogens of powdery mildew of chickpea. Photographic illustrations are provided and management options are recommended.

Technical Abstract: Powdery mildew of chickpea is caused by several fungi including Leveillula taurica, Erysiphe pisi and possible other Erysiphe spp. The most conspicuous sign of infection is diffuse, powdery sporulation on leaves and pods. The disease is favored by cool and dry weather. The relative roles of the sexual and asexual states are not well documented, but in general it appears that the teleomorph is seldom observed on chickpea. It is generally believed that primary inoculum is formed on other host plants since the pathogens infect several other legumes as well. Control recommendations generally include field and crop sanitation, timely sowing, tolerant and resistant varieties, and crop rotation (where disease is endemic). Chemical controls are also available.