Wilt/root rot diseases of chickpea in Ethiopia

Abstract

Research work on wilt/root rot diseases of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Ethiopia is reviewed. The five important wilt/root rot diseases in Ethiopia are wilt, dry root rot, wet root rot, black root rot and collar rot, which are caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri, Rhizoctonia bataticola, R. solani, F. solani and Sclerotium rolfsii respectively. Of these, dry root rot and wilt are the most important diseases. The diagnostic symptoms of each of these five diseases are described. Research on control measures has so far focused on cultural practices such as dates of sowing and depth of sowing, chemical control by chemical seed dressing and development of resistant varieties. Research topics on wilt and root rots that need attention to improve the productivity of chickpea in Ethiopia are highlighted.