Explore common problems affecting chickpea growth, from pests and diseases to nutrient issues and weather stresses in agricultural settings.
A farmer notices wilting, yellowing leaves, and brown streaks inside chickpea stems; what is the most likely cause?
Explanation: Fusarium wilt causes wilting, yellowing, and characteristic stem discoloration. Iron deficiency typically results in chlorosis without wilting, aphids mainly cause stunted growth or mottling, and excess irrigation mainly produces root rot, not internal brown streaks.
If chickpea pods show small round holes and seeds are partially eaten, which pest is most likely responsible?
Explanation: Pod borers create holes in pods and feed on seeds inside. Root nematodes attack roots, root rot fungus affects subterranean parts but not pods directly, and leaf miners feed within leaves, not pods or seeds.
When chickpea leaves show interveinal yellowing with green veins, which deficiency is most likely?
Explanation: Interveinal chlorosis is a classic sign of iron deficiency. Phosphorus excess and calcium sufficiency do not cause this symptom, and zinc toxicity typically shows as leaf distortion or necrosis, not yellowing between veins.
A period of severe drought during chickpea flowering leads to poor pod set; what is primarily affected?
Explanation: Drought during flowering interferes with pollination and fertilization, resulting in fewer pods. Seed dormancy is not directly affected, weed emergence refers to competition factors, and soil crusting pertains to soil surface conditions, not reproductive processes.
In saline soils, chickpea plants display stunted growth and leaf burn at margins; why does this occur?
Explanation: Salinity reduces water absorption and causes ion toxicity, leading to stunted growth and leaf burn. Nitrogen excess isn't typical in saline soils, earthworms aren't a major competitor, and low humidity more often restricts rather than speeds up fungal diseases.