Effects of host plant resistance and fungicide applications on Ascochyta blight symptomology and yield of chickpea

Authors: CRUTCHER, FRANKIE - Montana State University; Mohammed, Yesuf; CHEN, CHENGCI - Montana State University; TURNER, SHERRY - Montana State University

Submitted to: Plant Disease
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/17/2021
Publication Date: 1/1/2022
Citation: Crutcher, F.K., Mohammed, Y.A., Chen, C., Turner, S. 2022. Effects of host plant resistance and fungicide applications on Ascochyta blight symptomology and yield of chickpea. Plant Disease. 106(1):247-253. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-06-21-1252-RE.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-06-21-1252-RE

Interpretive Summary: Chickpea, also called garbanzo bean, is an important crop to provide protein and improve soil fertility. Its production in Montana is challenged with a major disease called Ascochyta blight (AB). Chickpea yield losses and quality damage to the seed due to this disease is substantial. A field experiment was conducted at two locations in Montana to evaluate integrated use of three chickpea varieties and application of fungicide with different modes of action. The results showed fungicide application was not enough to control disease throughout the season. The use of AB resistant varieties was more consistent on minimizing disease and maximizing yield than applying fungicides. This information will benefit producers interested in growing chickpea, extension specialists and consultants in advising producers. The information will also benefit other scientists interested in developing integrated pest management practices for chickpea production.

Technical Abstract: Ascochyta blight (AB), caused by the pathogen Ascochyta rabiei, is a major threat to chickpea production worldwide causing major yield losses and decreasing quality. Control of AB requires integrating pest management options including resistant varieties and fungicide applications. To address this, fungicides with different modes of action were evaluated on three chickpea varieties with differing levels of susceptibility to AB under irrigated and dryland conditions. The fungicides were applied once or twice and compared to a no fungicide application control on AB score and yield. The mean grain yields across locations and years were 1753, 1283 and 981 kg ha-1, with a corresponding AB mean score of 2.6, 3.2, and 3.3 on 0-7 scale (where 0 is no-disease and 7 is completely dead) for the susceptible, moderately susceptible, and moderately resistant chickpea varieties, respectively. Fungicide application was not enough to control disease throughout the season. The use of AB resistant varieties had the most significant impact on minimizing the disease and maximizing yield, irrespective of year and location. This study supports previous research indicating that planting AB resistant chickpea varieties is essential for disease control, regardless of the fungicides applied.