Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries principal plant pathologist, Dr Mal Ryley, inspected the suspect crops on August 22 with DPI&F pulse research scientist, Col Douglas, and Pulse Australia northern region development officer, Gordon Cumming.

Ascochyta blight (AB) is responsible for serious chickpea production losses throughout southern cropping areas and this first confirmed outbreak has triggered the industry action response plan only launched in April last year.

Dr Ryley urged all Central Queensland growers to check their 2008 season crop for any signs of the leaf and stem lesions that are the primary indicator of the disease.

Dead leaves and broken stems are usually the first indication of infection with closer examination revealing brown lesions on the stems and leaves with the stems often breaking near the lesion.

"This year's Central Queensland chickpea crop covers an estimated 50,000 hectares so it is imperative that all regional growers are well informed and well positioned to contain and defuse this confirmed AB outbreak," Dr Ryley said.

The current chickpea varieties grown in Central Queensland are very susceptible to ascochyta blight.

"The level of infection in the diseased crops is low with small patches of infected plants up to 50cm wide scattered across the paddocks," Dr Ryley said.

Dr Ryley said the recommended AB disease management strategy involves five vital steps:

*farm hygiene;

* timely fungicide spray applications;

* crop management;

* ensuring that no chickpeas are grown in the paddock for three years; and

* making sure that planting seed from this crop is not retained.

Any suspected samples should be placed into a plastic bag and sealed.

It should be brought directly to local DPI&F offices at Biloela or Emerald for identification.

Avoid unnecessary movements through suspected AB infected crops until the sample has been fully assessed.

Grower information meetings will be held on Friday, August 29, at the Banana Hotel at 8:30am, and the Emerald Town Hall Supper Room, cnr Anakie and Edgerton Streets at 3pm.

* Growers seeking further information or assistance should contact Col Douglas at DPI&F Biloela on 4992 9112 or 0439 875 799 or Anne Shepherd, DPI&F Emerald on 0407 730 476.