Chickpea Anthracnose Control

Chickpea Anthracnose Control

Chickpea Anthracnose Control

Chickpea anthracnose is a common disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum ciceris, which causes serious yield losses in chickpea plants. It is especially seen in humid and rainy regions and forms dark brown lesions on the leaves, stems and pods of the plant. This article will discuss methods for combating chickpea anthracnose.

Anthracnose Symptoms

Symptoms of chickpea anthracnose are as follows:

  • Brown Spots on Leaves: Small, dark brown or black lesions that merge over time to form large necrotic areas.
  • Spots on Stems and Pods: Long, narrow, dark spots can be seen on the stems and pods of the plant.
  • Premature Leaf Drop: Early leaf drop and stunted growth are common in infected plants.

Integrated Control Methods

Cultural Measures

  • Use of Resistant Varieties: Planting chickpea varieties resistant to the disease prevents the spread of the disease.
  • Use of Clean Seed: Using certified and disease-free seeds prevents the disease from being transmitted by seed.
  • Adjustment of Planting Time: Planting timing should be appropriate for the spreading period of the disease.
  • Appropriate Planting Methods: Increasing the distance between plants provides air circulation and reduces humidity.

Chemical Control

  • Fungicide Use: Appropriate fungicides can be used when anthracnose symptoms are seen or when the risk is high. Fungicides containing active ingredients such as copper oxychloride, mancozeb and chlorothalonil can be effective.
  • Timing of Spraying: Fungicide applications should be made when the first signs of disease are seen on the plants.

Biological Control

  • Antagonist Microorganisms: Biological agents such as Trichoderma harzianum can prevent the growth of the pathogen.
  • Natural Products: Natural products of plant origin such as neem oil and garlic extract can help control the disease.

Management of Diseased Plant Residues

  • Cleaning and Destruction: Cleaning and destroying plant residues remaining in the field after harvest reduces the pathogen load.
  • Tillage: Plant residues should be mixed into the soil with soil cultivation methods.

Conclusion

Effective control of chickpea anthracnose is possible with integrated disease management strategies. When cultural measures, chemical and biological control methods are applied together, the damage caused by the disease can be minimized. These methods can increase the yield and income of farmers by supporting sustainable chickpea production.

References
Turkoglu, H., & Demirci, F. (2020). Integrated Management of Chickpea Anthracnose. Turkish Journal of Agriculture.
Agricultural Research Service. (2019). Integrated Management of Chickpea Anthracnose. USDA.