PHENOLOGY OF Didymella rabiei ON CHICKPEA DEBRIS IN KERMANSHAH PROVINCE

Chickpea blight caused by Didymella rabiei is the most important disease of chickpea in Kermanshah province in west of Iran. The pathogen survives in infected chickpea debris and seeds. The telemorph develops on overwintering chickpea debris and can play a roll on distribution and survival of the pathogen. Pseudothecial development of Didymella rabiei on naturally infected chickpea debris was investigated in some major growing areas of chickpea production in west of Iran. In this regard chickpea debris, stems and pods of naturally infected by D. rabiei were collected at harvest time. They were placed on soil surface of some fields in different regions of the province in September during 2003 to 2005. In 2003 D. rabiei did not develop on chickpea debris but in 2004 mature pseudothecia and pycnidia of D. rabiei formed on chickpea debris in all locations. Differentiation of pseudothecia initials happened in November, 30 to 45 days after placement of debris on the soil surface. Ascospore maturation occurred in early March. Discharge of ascospores occurred in late March and continued by mid-May. Completely empty pseudothecia were observed in mid-June.