Ascochyta

Ascochyta rabiei

Recommended products: Thiraflo

Ascochyta is one of the world’s major chickpea diseases, and is currently a major problem in the South Australian and Victorian chickpea growing areas, but it is also present in Western Australia and New South Wales. In areas where this disease is endemic, losses average 50 per cent; individual crop losses may be greater.

Life cycle

Ascochyta can survive in the soil, on infected seed and on crop residues. Infection can occur at any stage of plant growth, depending upon environmental conditions. Moisture is essential for the disease to infect. Ascochyta is spread by both wind and rain-splash. Initially it appears on the younger leaves as small water-soaked spots. These rapidly elongate and become lesions on the leaves and buds. Small black spots can be seen in the affected area. Lesions around the stem cause the plant to collapse. In severe cases, the plant dries up suddenly.