At start of the l999 growing season the commonly grown varieties, Sanford and Dwelley, were classified as resistant to the disease. As the season progressed reports from Canada's prairie provinces indicated that this resistance was breaking down. At present, the disease is wide spread and severe in many regions of Canada. In Montana, we have experienced localized outbreaks late in the growing season. Reports from Canada suggest that the actual resistance breaks down as the crop matures.
Ascochyta blight is favored by mild moist weather.
Most areas of Montana are seldom blessed with those conditions during the growing season thus we do have an environment that is generally favorable for growing the crop without serious Ascochyta outbreaks. But, when wet years occur the potential for disease development dramatically increases. If good cultural practices are followed growers can minimize disease potential. These include, growing chickpea in at least a four year rotation, isolate fields at least three miles from other chickpea fields, avoid seeding near a previous years chickpea field, and planting seed that has tested negative for the presence of seed borne Ascochyta. Canadian producers are reporting good disease suppression with an application of Bravo fungicide applied as a preventative spray.