Chickpea and Other Field Crop Diseases Highly Prevalent
Ascochyta blight of chickpea is highly prevalent statewide in chickpea. We have also found Botrytis and significant root rot issues. For photos of symptoms and management, see the publication ‘Diseases of Cool Season Legumes.’ Fungicide options can be found on the NCIPC-PCWG ‘Fungicides registered for Pea, Lentil, and Chickpea Foliar Treatment and Disease Control.’ Important information on Fungicide Resistance and some organically approved options (check US and Montana labels!) can be found in ‘Fungicide Insensitivity in Pulse Crops’ published by the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.
Other pulses including peas and lentil are also at high risk of disease due to high moisture. If you see areas of the field dying, check for root rot. If you see patches in lentil, look for white mold, anthracnose, and stemphyllium blight. Peas that have been hailed often have symptoms of bacterial blight, which is easily confused with Ascochyta – get a proper diagnosis before fungicide application. Lentil and pea are less susceptible to ascochyta blight than chickpea, but a fungicide application may be needed depending on the condition of the crop and economic benefit of an application. Fungicides are not effective on bacterial diseases and are not recommended in the absence of disease. White mold risk is also high for chickpea, pea, sunflower, canola and other mustards. Flowering cereals are at high risk for scab in areas where scab is highly prevalent and relative humidity is high.
Please contact your county agent, the Schutter Diagnostic Lab, or myself directly for accurate identification of diseases prior to pesticide application.
--Mary Burrows
Extension Plant Pathologist
406-599-9966, [email protected], @MontanaCropDoc