Fungal diseases are a major problem in chickpea cultivation and can cause serious yield loss if not managed on time. Chickpea is mainly grown during the rabi season, and cool weather combined with moisture creates favourable conditions for fungal growth. Farmers often notice problems like sudden wilting, yellowing, root decay, or drying of plants in patches. These symptoms indicate fungal infection in the crop. Proper understanding and timely management can help control fungus and protect the chickpea crop.
One of the most common reasons for fungal attack in chickpea is poor soil and water management. Chickpea does not tolerate waterlogging. Excess irrigation or standing water around the root zone encourages fungal growth in the soil. These fungi attack the roots and block water and nutrient movement, leading to wilting and plant death. Therefore, selecting well-drained fields and avoiding heavy soils is very important. Fields should be properly levelled so that water does not collect in any area.
Seed quality and seed treatment play a very important role in preventing fungal diseases. Using healthy, certified seed reduces the risk of introducing fungal infection into the field. Treating seed before sowing protects young seedlings from soil-borne fungi during early growth stages, when plants are most vulnerable. This single step can greatly reduce disease incidence.
Crop rotation is another effective method to control fungal problems. Growing chickpea repeatedly in the same field increases the fungal population in the soil. Rotating chickpea with non-host crops like cereals helps break the disease cycle and reduces infection pressure. Crop rotation also improves soil health and nutrient balance.
Maintaining balanced nutrition helps chickpea plants resist fungal attack. Excess nitrogen should be avoided because it promotes soft plant growth that is more prone to diseases. Adequate phosphorus and potassium strengthen roots and improve plant immunity. Adding well-decomposed organic manure improves soil structure and encourages beneficial microorganisms that suppress harmful fungi.
Timely sowing helps avoid peak disease conditions. Late sowing often exposes the crop to higher moisture and temperature fluctuations, increasing disease risk. Sowing at the recommended time allows plants to establish well and tolerate stress better.
Field sanitation is very important in managing fungal diseases. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed as soon as symptoms are noticed. Leaving diseased plants in the field increases fungal spread. After harvest, crop residues should be removed or properly decomposed. Deep summer ploughing helps expose fungal spores to sunlight, reducing their survival.
Regular field monitoring helps detect fungal problems early. Early symptoms like yellowing, wilting, or poor growth should not be ignored. Early action prevents the disease from spreading to healthy plants.
When fungal infection appears in patches, soil drenching around affected plants is more effective than spraying. Chemical control should be used only when necessary and at the recommended dose. Early application gives better control and reduces crop loss. Repeated and unnecessary chemical use should be avoided, as it affects soil health.
Proper irrigation management is essential throughout the season. Irrigation should be light and given only when required. Stress due to both excess and lack of water weakens plants and increases disease susceptibility.
In conclusion, controlling fungus in chickpea depends mainly on prevention and timely action. Good drainage, healthy seed, seed treatment, crop rotation, balanced fertilization, clean cultivation, and careful irrigation together help manage fungal diseases effectively. By following these simple and practical practices, farmers can protect their chickpea crop, reduce losses, and achieve better yield and stable income.
