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4. The dynamics of the disease, with cycles ranging from extreme severity to an
almost disappearance.
Research Gn ascochyta blight in Spain has been limited. In 1961, Jos6 Puerta set
up for the first time a program on 'rabia' in chickpeas. Puerta (1964) studied the
disease in different regions, described the characteristics, importance and frequency
of its occurrence (Tables 2 and 3), examined the fungus from a mycological
viewpoint, set up a screening technique for resistance and evaluated fungicides
for the control. Cubero (1965) working with Puerta undertook mainly the
mycological studies and determined the nutritional rcquirements and media
conditions for the growth of the fungus.
Winter Sowing
It seems that winter sowings were previously in use in Spain but only for fodder.
It is doubtful if they have been practised in the last 50 years.
Agronomists as well as farmers have received with great interest the possiblity
of winter sowings. The aim would be to grow chickpeas only for human consumption;
thus, the main socio-economic factor to solve would be to eliminate or to
restrict the importations.
The lowlands of Andalucia are the best sitcs for winter sowings, followed by
the Badajoz province. In these zones, winters are mild with extreme minimum
temperatures of -5°C,. excepting really exceptional years. The limiting factor
here will be ascochyta blight attacks, and perhaps fusarium wilt in humid soils.
In Castille there is an additional constraint - hard winters with temperatures
going to-10°C. Resistance to low temperatures, as well as to ascochyta blight,
would be essential. In between these two extremes (Andalusian and Castillian
zones) there are areas where the late frosts may limit winter sowing. Here,
adjustment of date of sowing coupled with frost resistance would be needed.
Spanish cultivars are large to extra-large seeded, so collections of these types
would have to be tested.
Strategy for Introducing Winter Planting
Winter planting will require more fertilizers, more herbicides, more pesticides,
more care of the crop and good farmers. Thus, the best zone would be the
Andaluciz lowlands.
In other zones, simple demonstration trials (date of sowing, pesticides, and
fertilizers) would also have to be set up. Once the first results were obtained,
different trials could be extended to other zones.
The role of research would include the study of collections in order to choose
the most appropriate cultivars for each region. But most of the work to be done