Pulse Crop Update (07/12/18)
Pea fields in the northwest part of the state have reached early to late reproductive growth stages (Figure 1). Lentils and chickpeas are a little behind the pea crop, but most fields in the northwest region have reached bloom.
Disease levels in lentil fields have remained low. Out of the eleven lentil fields scouted by the NDSU WREC pulse scout (Shawn Postovit) from June 18th – 29th, only one field was positive for foliar disease (Ascochyta Blight – Figure 2). With the crop having reached canopy closure in many fields and the weather remaining wet in this region, we will continue to scout for foliar diseases, as high humidity within the crop canopy will favor disease.
Bacterial blight has been identified in pea fields in Williams, Burke and Mountrail counties (Figure 3). Incidence ranges from 8 – 48% of plants exhibiting symptoms. Severity is generally low, with under 15% of the crop canopy showing symptoms. More information about bacterial blight can be found on a previous article in the crop and pest report from 6/2/16 titled Field Pea Diseases Review: Bacterial Blight and Brown Spot.
Scouting of chickpea fields in the northwest and north central region of the state for Ascochyta blight continues. In some fields incidence has reached up to 80% (Figure 4). The percent of the crop canopy exhibiting symptoms was on average 7% in the sixteen fields that were positive for disease. Many of these fields have been treated with fungicides in recent weeks.
More information about management of chickpea Ascochyta blight can be found on a previous article in the crop and pest report from 6/28/18 titled Management Recommendations for Ascochyta Blight on Chickpea.
