A Look at the Biggest Desi Chickpea Crop Since 2016-17 and How Growers Can Combat Disease Risks
Australia is poised for a remarkable chickpea harvest this year, with the desi chickpea crop expected to be the largest since the record-breaking 2016-17 season. As growers prepare for a bumper crop, a recent webinar has provided crucial insights into managing ascochyta blight, a key threat to chickpea yields and quality. Here’s an overview of the current state of Australia’s chickpea industry and the strategies being employed to address potential challenges.
A Promising Season for Desi Chickpeas
Australia’s desi chickpea crop is forecasted to yield between 1.15 million tonnes and 1.5 million tonnes from an estimated 730,000 to 800,000 hectares. This anticipated production surge is significant compared to the 2016-17 season, which saw a record yield of 2 million tonnes from 1 million hectares. This year’s forecast, though slightly lower, reflects a resurgence in the chickpea sector driven by improved market conditions and favorable weather.
The recent removal of tariffs on desi chickpeas by India in early May has stimulated interest in chickpea cultivation, contributing to the expansion of the planted area. Despite the optimism surrounding this year’s crop, there are challenges that growers must navigate, particularly concerning the management of ascochyta blight, a fungal disease that can severely impact yields.
The Threat of Ascochyta Blight
Ascochyta blight, caused by the Ascochyta rabiei fungus, poses a significant risk to chickpea crops. The disease is particularly problematic during wet conditions, which are prevalent this season. With subsoil moisture levels in southern and Central Queensland and northern New South Wales generally adequate for crop growth, the main concern for growers is managing the spread of ascochyta blight.
To address this issue, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) hosted a webinar focusing on the practical management of ascochyta blight. The session, led by experts including Paul McIntosh from Nutrien Ag Solutions, Ido Bar from Griffith University, and several other specialists, provided valuable information on disease prevention and control measures.
Key Strategies for Managing Ascochyta Blight
- Early Disease Detection and Management
The webinar highlighted the importance of early detection of ascochyta blight. Paul McIntosh advised growers to look for early signs of the disease, such as “ghosting” on leaf edges, which can be indicative of ascochyta infection. It’s crucial for growers to use a hand lens to check for concentric circles of pycnidia spores that signify the presence of the fungus. - Timely Fungicide Application
Fungicide application is essential for controlling ascochyta blight. McIntosh emphasized that fungicides should be applied before rainfall events to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, choosing the right fungicides with appropriate plant-back periods is important for managing both the disease and future crop rotations. - Utilizing the AscoDashboard Tool
Dr. Ido Bar presented on the AscoDashboard, a risk-prediction tool that helps growers forecast the likelihood of ascochyta blight outbreaks based on weather conditions and disease history. This tool is part of a five-year research project funded by GRDC, which has delivered insights into ascochyta blight’s pathogens and environmental triggers. - Monitoring and Adaptation
Regular monitoring of chickpea crops for signs of disease and adapting management practices as needed are crucial for maintaining crop health. John Cameron of ICAN and agronomists like Ross Pomroy and Rob Holmes stressed the importance of vigilance, especially in regions where ascochyta blight has been detected in the past.
The Role of Research and Industry Collaboration
The collaborative efforts between researchers, industry professionals, and growers are central to the success of this chickpea crop. The knowledge shared through the webinar and ongoing research initiatives reflects a commitment to supporting Australian chickpea growers through practical advice and advanced technological tools.
As the GRDC’s Bob Ford noted, the initiative for this webinar came from the growers themselves, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing the challenges of the current growing season.
Looking Ahead
With the combination of favorable growing conditions and robust management strategies, Australian chickpea growers are in a strong position for a successful harvest. The lessons learned from the management of ascochyta blight and the application of innovative tools like the AscoDashboard will be vital in ensuring that the potential of this year’s crop is fully realized.
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