Bengal gram, also known as chana or chickpea, is an important legume crop that is widely cultivated across India. It is a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a staple food for millions of people. However, like other crops, Bengal gram is also susceptible to fungal infections that can cause significant yield losses. Thus, it is essential to take proper measures to control fungal attacks in Bengal gram crop.
Here, we will provide information about different fungal diseases that affect Bengal gram, their symptoms, and methods to prevent them.
Fungal Diseases in Bengal gram crop:
1. Ascochyta Blight: This disease is caused by a fungus Ascochyta rabiei. It infects the plant at different stages of growth, causing defoliation, stem cankers, and dark brown spots on leaves and stems that eventually lead to their death.
2. Fusarium wilt: Fusarium oxysporum is a fungus that primarily infects the root system and causes wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. It clogs the water-carrying vessels, leading to a reduction in the uptake of water and essential nutrients.
3. Botrytis Gray Mould: This disease is caused by Botrytis cinerea and affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of Bengal gram plant. It leads to blight, grey patches, shedding of leaves, and rotting of pods.
Preventive Measures:
1. Seed Treatment: Seeds of Bengal gram should be treated with suitable fungicides before sowing to prevent the fungal spores from infecting them.
2. Crop Rotation: Crop rotation techniques should be followed to avoid the buildup of fungal pathogens in the soil. Leguminous crops can be replaced with non-legumes on alternate seasons.
3. Sanitation: Regular removal and destruction of infected plant debris and weeds can prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
4. Timely Irrigation: Adequate and timely irrigation can help in maintaining soil moisture, which is necessary for plant growth and disease prevention.
5. Balanced Fertilization: Proper fertilization and soil management can help in improving the health of plants, reducing their susceptibility to diseases, and increasing the yield.
6. Chemical Control: In severe cases, appropriate fungicides can be applied to control the fungal infections. However, this should be done under the guidance of agriculture experts to avoid any adverse impact on the environment.
In conclusion, proper management practices during sowing, growth, and harvesting stages can help in preventing fungal attacks on Bengal gram crops. Farmers should consider the above preventive measures to ensure a healthy crop and avoid yield losses due to fungal infections.