Diseases of Gram Crop, Know Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Chickpea sowing is usually done by the second week of October. After sowing, the crop becomes susceptible to various diseases, which can significantly affect its productivity. Timely prevention of these diseases can lead to an increase in yield. Let's learn about the major diseases in chickpea crops and how to prevent them effectively.

Termite Infestation:

Termites, which are polyphagous pests, affect both chickpea and wheat crops, causing significant reduction in yield. They tunnel through the soil and feed on sprouting plants, damaging the roots and stunting the growth of the crop.

Prevention Methods:

Use organic manure (cow dung) in the field to control termite infestation.
Apply neem cake at the rate of 10 quintals per hectare before sowing.
For soil treatment, mix Beauveria bassiana (2.5 kg per hectare) with 50-60 kg of decomposed manure and apply it to the field after 8-10 days.
In case of infestation during the crop cycle, mix Chlorpyrifos 20% EC (2.5 liters per hectare) with irrigation water.

Cutworm (Agrotis spp):

Cutworm is a common pest in chickpea crops, particularly in areas where there is stagnant rainwater before sowing. The larvae of this pest cut the plants at the base, causing them to wilt and die.

Prevention Methods:

Perform deep plowing during the summer and ensure timely sowing while following proper crop rotation.
Place piles of dry grass in the field to attract and trap the cutworms. Collect them early in the morning and destroy them.
Regularly monitor the field for pest activity.

Ascochyta Blight (Leaf Spot Disease): Ascochyta blight is a severe disease affecting chickpea crops, attacking both leaves and seeds. If left untreated, it can reduce yield by up to 70%.

Prevention Methods:

Proper water management should be in place to avoid waterlogging in the field.
Regularly inspect the field to detect early signs of the disease.
Install five pheromone traps per hectare for monitoring.
Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (1.0 kg per hectare) mixed in 500 liters of water, with sprays repeated every 15 days.

Wilt Disease: Wilt is a soil- and seed-borne disease that can reduce chickpea yield by 10-15%. It is less prevalent in regions with colder temperatures, but it spreads rapidly when the crop is in bloom and the temperature ranges between 25-30°C.

Prevention Methods:

Treat seeds with a mix of Thiram (75%) and Carbendazim (50%) before sowing.
Use Trichoderma (4 grams per kg of seed) for seed treatment before sowing.
Treat seeds with *Pseudomonas fluorescens* 0.5% WP (10 grams per kg of seed) before planting.