Root rot (Rhizoctonia solani, R. bataticola)

Identification

Field symptoms includes yellowing of the plants with drooping leaves. Due to decay of rootlets plant can be easily uprooted. Root portion appears brownish from outside. The stem and root below the lesion show rotting, frequently with pinkish white mycelial growth. As in case of wilt the stellar portion is also brown. Drying plants scattered throughout the field are indicative of root-rot incidence. 

Management  

• Fields having the history of severe incidence may be avoided.

• Deep ploughing of chickpea fields to bury debris. 

• Use clean certified seeds treated with PCNB and Thiram (1:1) @ 2.5 gm/kg of seeds.

• Practice crop rotation with wheat and oat which helps in reduction of inoculums. 

• Sowing should be done on rows with wider spacing. 

• Use resistant varieties.