Troubleshooting
Chickpea problems — and how to fix them
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Ascochyta blight complex
Caused by Ascochyta rabiei — the most serious chickpea disease globally. Creates brown necrotic lesions on all above-ground parts. Use certified blight-free seed, 4-year crop rotation, and resistant kabuli varieties. Avoid overhead watering.
Botrytis grey mould
Particularly problematic in cool, damp climates including the UK. Fuzzy grey mould on stems during wet springs. Improve air circulation, sow at correct spacing, remove infected tissue immediately, and avoid working wet plants.
Helicoverpa pod borer
Larvae bore into pods and eat developing seeds. Mainly a problem in warmer climates. Monitor with pheromone traps; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray when young larvae are present. Hand-pick egg masses where feasible.
Prevent chickpea problems before they start
Most chickpea issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for chickpea in general rather than its problems? Read the full chickpea care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Chickpea problems — FAQ
Why is my chickpea ascochyta blight complex?
Caused by Ascochyta rabiei — the most serious chickpea disease globally. Creates brown necrotic lesions on all above-ground parts. Use certified blight-free seed, 4-year crop rotation, and resistant kabuli varieties. Avoid overhead watering.
Why is my chickpea botrytis grey mould?
Particularly problematic in cool, damp climates including the UK. Fuzzy grey mould on stems during wet springs. Improve air circulation, sow at correct spacing, remove infected tissue immediately, and avoid working wet plants.
Why is my chickpea helicoverpa pod borer?
Larvae bore into pods and eat developing seeds. Mainly a problem in warmer climates. Monitor with pheromone traps; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray when young larvae are present. Hand-pick egg masses where feasible.