Chickpea Farmers Alert: Early Negligence Risks Yield Loss, Act in First 22 Days!

• Chickpea crops face high disease risk, especially in the critical first 40-45 days, with the highest incidence within 22 days of sowing.
• Dr. Vinod Nirmalkar identifies Collar Rot, Dry Root Rot, and Wilt Disease as major threats, causing significant plant damage and yield loss.
• Collar Rot starts at the soil-stem junction, Dry Root Rot blackens roots, and Wilt Disease causes sudden wilting at flowering.
• Prevention is crucial as these are soil-borne diseases, requiring essential soil treatment followed by effective seed treatment.
• Seed treatment involves mixing 10g Rhizobium per 1kg seeds, then spraying Trichoderma (Hygenum species) before sowing.

Why It Matters: Timely soil and seed treatment are vital for chickpea farmers to prevent diseases and boost yields.