Phytophthora root rot management in chickpeas

Summary

• Phytophthora root rot (PRR) is a soil- and water-borne disease of chickpea.
• There are no in-crop options for controlling PRR. Minimising yield loss is based on variety choice and avoiding at-risk paddocks.
• The disease can survive in the soil for up to 10 years.
• Waterlogging increases chickpea susceptibility to PRR.
• Avoid paddocks prone to waterlogging, with poorly drained areas or a history of lucerne, medics, or previous chickpea crops that have had PRR.
• Paddocks prone to waterlogging or flooding should be avoided if a high rainfall season is predicted.
• Use the most PRR-resistant varieties where there is a disease risk.
• All kabuli varieties are susceptible to PRR.
• Substantial yield losses (up to 70%) can still occur for chickpea varieties with the highest PRR resistance ratings when conditions are highly favourable for disease development.
• Phytophthora root rot can travel in soil and crop debris in floodwater, which can change the PRR risk status of previously clean paddocks.