Ascochyta Blight of Garbanzo Detected in Five Points/Lemoore Area of Fresno and Kings Counties. What Now?

February 28, 2024
By Nicholas E Clark

Between 22 and 27 Feb, Ascochyta blight in garbanzo beans was detected in the Five Points/Lemoore area.

This disease has potential to cause economic damage, is favored by wet conditions and moderate temperatures, and rain is in the forecast for Friday, March 1^st and Sunday, March 3^rd.

Fungicides, such as Endura (boscalid), Headline (pyraclostrobin), or Quadris (azoxystrobin) applied to garbanzo foliage preventatively will reduce risk of loss due to this disease.

Consult product labels carefully before applying a fungicide treatment to ensure the most effective application method, timing and rate.

Here are recent resources for more information about Ascochyta blight in garbanzos:

https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=26328

https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/dry-beans/ascochyta-blight-garbanzo-beans/

Below are photos by Tom Turini showing typical signs and symptoms of Ascochyta blight of garbanzo on plant samples recently collected in the Five Points/Lemoore area.

Circular lesions with dark centers and foliar dieback on garbanzo bean plant.

1 garb a — A close-up of a small plant stem with several green, slightly serrated leaves, some of which show signs of damage or disease, on a light surface.

Garbanzo bean leaves with necrosis and small dark ifungal structures (pycnidia) of Ascochyta rabiei.

2 garb a — A collection of brown, dried, and withered leaves or petals with a textured surface, possibly part of a plant's autumnal foliage, against a blurry background.

Garbanzo bean plant with stem lesion and substantial dieback.

3 garb a — A close-up of a green plant stem with multiple branches, some of which have dried or damaged leaves, lying on a white surface.