Fungal Attack in Gram Crop: Causes and Prevention
Gram, also known as chickpea, is an important pulse crop grown in various parts of the world. It is used for human consumption as well as animal feed. However, gram crops are often susceptible to fungal attack, which can severely damage the crop yield and quality. Therefore, it is essential to understand the causes of fungal attack in gram crop and how to prevent it.
Causes of Fungal Attack in Gram Crop
Fungal attack in gram crop can be caused by various factors, including environmental conditions, soil quality, and plant diseases. One of the most common fungal diseases that affect gram crops is Ascochyta blight, caused by the fungus Ascochyta rabiei. This disease is prevalent in dry and wet areas with moderate temperatures, especially during the flowering and podding stages of the crop. The fungus can infect the leaves, stem, flowers, and pods, resulting in dark brown to black spots, which can cause severe yield losses.
Another fungal disease that affects gram crop is Fusarium wilt, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. This disease affects the roots of the plant, causing wilting and stunting of the plant, leading to reduced yields. High soil temperatures and poor drainage can exacerbate the severity of Fusarium wilt in gram crops.
Prevention and Control of Fungal Attack in Gram Crop
There are several measures that farmers can take to prevent and control fungal attack in gram crop. The following strategies are effective in reducing the risk of fungal diseases in gram crop:
– Crop rotation: planting gram after other crops can reduce the chances of fungal diseases in the soil.
– Use of resistant varieties: planting resistant varieties of gram can reduce the risk of Ascochyta blight and Fusarium wilt.
– Good plant hygiene: removing infected plant debris and avoiding the use of unsterilized farm equipment can prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
– Regular monitoring: regular scouting of the crop can help identify potential fungal disease problems early, and preventative measures or treatments can be applied in a timely manner.
– Fungicide application: application of fungicides can be effective in controlling fungal diseases in gram crop. However, it should be noted that excessive use of fungicides can lead to environmental pollution and resistance in the fungus.
Conclusion
Fungal attack in gram crop can cause severe yield losses, affecting the livelihoods of farmers. Therefore, preventative measures should be taken to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, maintaining good plant hygiene, regular monitoring, and judicious application of fungicides can help control fungal attack in gram crop. By adopting these strategies, farmers can reduce the impact of fungal diseases and ensure a healthy and profitable crop.