The effect of spray quality on ascochyta blight control in chickpea

Ascochyta blight can completely destroy chickpea crops when weather conditions favour disease development. In addition to improving host resistance, cultural control, and fungicide application timing, the use of appropriate application technology could also enhance disease management. Differences in spray quality can influence the amount of fungicide coverage on crop plants, which could impact fungicide efficacy. The effect of application method on disease control was investigated in field trials using three nozzle types sprayed onto chickpea cultivars Myles (fern leaf) and Sanford (unifoliate). The same three nozzle types were also used in the laboratory to compare spray deposition patterns and penetration of spray into simulated crop canopies. In the field study, nozzle type had no effect on disease development or yield in any of the site years. In the laboratory study, nozzle types had no effect on the amount of spray coverage or the degree of spray penetration into the chickpea canopy. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.