Comparison of ground and aerial application of fungicide for control of Ascochyta blight in chickpeas

Non-Peer ReviewedAscochyta rabiei control from aerial and ground application was assessed near Saskatoon in 2003 and 2004. Each year, a site of about 12 ha was seeded to kabuli (cv. CDC Xena) chickpeas. At the first sign of disease, applications of fungicide were commenced and maintained at approximately 10-day intervals. In 2003, four applications (two with Headline (pyraclostrobin), two with Lance (boscalid)) were conducted. In 2004, the last Lance application was not done. Aerial application was made using a Cessna AgTruck applying 37 L/ha using CP nozzles emitting a spray with a VMD of approximately 271 μm. Ground applications were conducted using a Melroe SpraCoupe applying 100 L/ha using XR8003 nozzles with a VMD of approximately 246 μm. Disease ratings were done throughout the season, and seed yields were taken at crop maturity. Disease incidence progressed to 80 to 90% in the untreated plots, and fungicide application reduced disease incidence (to 20 to 30%) and increased seed yield in both years. Disease incidence and seed yield were not affected by application method in either season