Wilt and root rot disease of chickpea : Studies on integrated management of wilt and root rot complex of chickpea

Chickpea is an important pulse crop grown in tropical, sub tropical and temperate regions of the world. It is world's third most important grain legume after common bean and pea. India ranks first in terms of chickpea production and consumption in the world. It occupies very important position in semi arid farming system both for human nutrition and restoring the soil fertility. More than 50 pathogens have been reported to infect chickpea crop but only few cause economically important diseases. Wilt and root rot complex caused by several soil borne pathogens is a major yield reducing malady. Among them Fusarium wilt, black root rot, root rot and dry root rot are of considerable importance. It is one of the important limiting factors of chickpea production in India. The disease was first reported from India by Butler in 1918.Early infection of the wilt complex pathogens results in death of plant ie total yield loss. The disease can affect the crop at any stage of growth. Early wilting causes 77-94% losses while late wilting causes 24-65% loss. Characteristic symptoms are sudden drooping of leaves and petioles, no external rotting of roots and black internal discoloration.