Fungal diseases of chickpeas in irrigated and rainfall areas of Uzbekistan and their control measures

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a staple leguminous crop in Uzbekistan, where it is cultivated for both human consumption and fodder purposes. The white-grain varieties are primarily grown for food, while the black-grain varieties are cultivated for fodder. However, the cultivation of chickpeas in Uzbekistan is often challenged by various diseases, including root rot, ascochitosis, fusarium wilt, and powdery mildew. Scientific observations have highlighted the prevalence of these diseases in chickpea crops, necessitating the selection of disease-resistant varieties and the development of effective disease management strategies. Research efforts have focused on identifying the types of pathogens responsible for these diseases, studying their spread and development, and evaluating the efficacy of seeds and fungicides in controlling them. Root rot, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris, powdery mildew, caused by Leveillula taurica f.ciceris, and ascochytosis, caused by Ascochyta rabiei, are among the most common diseases affecting chickpeas in Uzbekistan. These diseases can significantly reduce crop yields and quality, making them a major concern for chickpea farmers. In field conditions, the occurrence and severity of these diseases can vary between irrigated and rainfed fields. Understanding these variations is crucial for developing targeted disease management strategies that take into account the specific conditions of each field type.