There was only one confirmed case of ascochyta blight in central Queensland in 2009, after the first ever recorded outbreak in 2008. However, if it becomes endemic in the region the industry will face considerable managerial and financial costs.

Pulse Australia northern region industry development officer Gordon Cumming, says good management is vital.

“For a start, make sure you only buy seed that has been grown in Central Queensland, so you don’t introduce the disease from further south. Ensure that all seed, including grower retained, is treated with a seed dressing as well,” Mr Cumming said.

“Chickpeas should never be planted in the same paddock within three years, or next to the previous year’s chickpea crop.

“If we have a wet winter, growers will need to be vigilant. Crops should be checked seven to ten days after each rain event and treated with a fungicide if ascochyta blight is found.”

A guide, Symptoms and Identification of Ascochyta blight in Chickpea, is available on the Pulse Australia website. It has numerous photographs to help growers who may not have seen the disease before.

Many agronomists in the region have also been accredited and growers are encouraged to seek their advice in planning for and managing their chickpea crops.

These courses have been run by Mr Cumming in association with the state agriculture departments of Queensland and New South Wales and supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

The GRDC is investing significant funds into pulses, including chickpeas, to ensure growers have new varieties and better management techniques to remain competitive and make the most of the benefits they bring to crop rotations.

This includes partially funding Pulse Australia and Pulse Breeding Australia.

Mr Cumming says that, with good management, chickpeas can continue to boost nitrogen levels and provide a disease break for other crops in Central Queensland for many years to come, relatively free of the damage that can be caused by ascochyta blight.

The Pulse Australia website is www.pulseaus.com.au and Mr Cumming can be contacted on 0408 923 474.