Field efficacy of novel fungicides against chickpea rust (Uromyces ciceris-arietini)

The host resistance in present-day chickpea cultivars against rust disease is lacking thus, the present study was carried out during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at Regional Research Station, ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Dharwad, Karnataka to explore effective fungicides for the management of chickpea rust. All fungicides found to reduce chickpea rust severity, but differences in efficacy were observed throughout the study. Present studies revealed that two sprays of 0.1% azoxystrobin 18.2% + difenoconazole 11.4% sc fungicide at 15 days interval minimizes the rust severity to the tune of >77% and achieved a benefit cost (B:C) ratio of 2.32 i.e. in terms of monetary value farmers could get a net income of ₹35268/ha. Thus, timely spraying of identified modern fungicide combination can be taken advantage for better control of chickpea rust.