Chickpea rust

Chickpea rust is a fungal disease caused by the obligate parasite Uromyces ciceris-arietini. This pathogen is a serious threat to legume production, specifically targeting chickpea plants and causing yield losses that can exceed 50% in severe epidemic years.

The primary host of the fungus is the chickpea (Cicer arietinum). The pathogen attacks all aerial parts of the plant, primarily the foliage and stems. By disrupting photosynthesis, the fungus stunts the development of the plant and significantly reduces the weight and quality of the seeds.

Initial symptoms present as small, pale yellow spots on the leaves. As the fungus progresses, these spots develop into characteristic reddish-brown pustules (uredinia) that break through the epidermis. Under favorable conditions, these pustules can cover the entire leaf surface, causing chlorosis, premature senescence, and leaf shedding.

The development of the disease is heavily influenced by climatic conditions, particularly the presence of moisture. High humidity, frequent rainfall, and moderate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C are ideal for the germination and spread of fungal spores. Wind-borne transmission allows the disease to spread rapidly across large fields.

Effective management and control strategies include:

• Deployment of resistant or tolerant chickpea cultivars as the primary defensive line.
• Implementation of appropriate crop rotation practices to avoid pathogen buildup in the soil.
• Strict sanitation, including the destruction or deep incorporation of crop residues into the soil.
• Timely application of chemical fungicides, such as triazoles or strobilurins, upon the first sign of infection to protect the canopy.