A review of Ascochyta blight of chickpea

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important grain legume crop in Asia, Africa and Central and South America. Ascochyta blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Lab. is one of the most serious diseases of the crop and severe epidemics have been reported. The available literature on Ascochyta blight is reviewed in order to ascertain the present status of knowledge of the disease and to identify the areas of research which need immediate attention. Distribution, yield losses, symptoms, taxonomy, reproduction, epidemiology and control of the disease are discussed. Further information on sexual reproduction, epidemiology and control is needed.