Fungal attack is a significant issue for chickpea crops worldwide. Fungi can cause significant yield losses if not controlled. However, effective control measures can help reduce the severity of fungal attacks and maintain the overall crop health. In this article, we’ll cover various control measures to prevent fungal attacks in chickpea crops.
1. Crop Rotation: Crop rotation is an effective method of preventing fungal attacks in chickpea crops. A minimum of one-year crop rotation is recommended, and chickpeas should not be planted in the same field for three consecutive years. This helps to reduce the build-up of soil-borne pathogens, including fungi, that might otherwise damage the crop.
2. Plant Resistant Varieties: Planting resistant varieties is an effective method to prevent or minimize fungal attack in chickpea crops. Research shows that resistant cultivars are less susceptible to fungal attacks compared to susceptible varieties, making them much healthier crops. These varieties have various resistance mechanisms, including gene-mediated and physiological resistance mechanisms.
3. Sanitation: Good field sanitation is critical to control fungal attacks. All volunteer plants, weed hosts, and remaining stubble after harvesting should be removed and destroyed to reduce the source of fungal spores within the field. Sanitizing farm equipment and tools is also recommended to reduce the risk of fungal contamination.
4. Crop Nutrition: Adequate crop nutrition is vital for healthy chickpea crop growth and development. Good nutrition is essential for plants to maintain good resistance to fungal infection through enhanced sturdiness and stronger defense mechanisms.
5. Fungicides: Fungicides, such as carbendazim, chlorothalonil, and mancozeb, are effective in controlling fungal infections and maintaining crop health. However, their use must be exercised with caution to avoid risks of residue buildup and long-term resistance development.
In essence, control measures for fungal attack in chickpea crops require a comprehensive approach that combines different strategies. Crop rotation, planting of resistant cultivars, sanitation, crop nutrition, and fungicide application are crucial control measures for managing fungal infections. Therefore, growers must timely and judiciously implement these strategies to prevent and mitigate the occurrence of fungal attacks.