Purple color fungus problem in chickpea is a common issue faced by farmers, especially during cool and humid weather. This problem usually appears as purple or dark brown spots on leaves, stems, flowers, or pods. Over time, affected leaves dry up and fall, plants become weak, and yield reduces. If not managed at the right time, this fungal infection can spread quickly across the field and cause serious crop loss.
The purple fungus problem in chickpea mostly develops when there is excess moisture in the field, cloudy weather, frequent dew, or unseasonal rainfall. Poor air circulation, dense crop growth, and continuous chickpea cultivation in the same field also increase disease risk. Weak plants due to nutrient deficiency are more prone to fungal attack.
The first and most important step in controlling purple fungus is preventive field management. Farmers should avoid growing chickpea repeatedly in the same field. Crop rotation with cereals like wheat or sorghum helps break the disease cycle. The field should be well prepared with proper drainage, as stagnant water encourages fungal growth. Chickpea does not tolerate waterlogging, so excess irrigation should be strictly avoided.
Seed quality plays a major role in disease control. Farmers should always use healthy, certified, and disease-free seed. Seed treatment before sowing is very important to protect young seedlings from early fungal infection. Treated seed helps reduce disease occurrence in the initial growth stage.
Proper sowing time and spacing also help manage fungal problems. Late sowing often exposes the crop to unfavorable weather during flowering and pod formation, increasing disease incidence. Recommended spacing should be followed to allow good air movement and sunlight penetration, which reduces humidity inside the crop canopy.
Balanced nutrition strengthens the plant’s natural resistance. Deficiency of phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients weakens plants and increases disease severity. Excess nitrogen should be avoided, as it produces soft growth that is more vulnerable to fungal infection. Applying well-decomposed farmyard manure improves soil health and supports beneficial microorganisms that suppress harmful fungi.
Regular field monitoring is very important. Farmers should inspect their chickpea fields at least once a week, especially during flowering and pod formation stages. Early symptoms like small purple or dark spots on leaves should not be ignored. Early action prevents the spread of disease to healthy plants.
When disease symptoms appear, timely fungicide spraying becomes necessary. Sprays should be done at the first sign of infection for best control. Spraying during morning hours is preferred so that leaves dry quickly during the day. Repeated spraying of the same fungicide should be avoided, as it may lead to resistance. Always use the recommended dose and proper water quantity to avoid crop damage.
Removing and destroying severely infected plants or plant parts helps reduce disease spread. Weeds around the field should also be controlled, as they can act as alternate hosts for fungal pathogens.
Weather plays a big role in disease development. During prolonged cloudy and humid conditions, farmers should be extra alert and take preventive measures even before severe symptoms appear.
In conclusion, controlling purple color fungus in chickpea requires an integrated approach. Using healthy seed, following crop rotation, maintaining proper spacing and drainage, providing balanced nutrition, regular monitoring, and timely fungicide application help manage the disease effectively. With proper care and early action, farmers can protect their chickpea crop and achieve better yield and quality.
