To assess Ascochyta blight severity and yield response to fungicides in field pea

• Understanding the key drivers of ascochyta blight (AB) disease in field pea, such as the level of starting inoculum and seasonal conditions pre and post sowing, is crucial to effective and economical management of this disease.
• In high disease risk seasons, foliar fungicides applied either before, or at the first sign of disease, and a follow up spray at early flowering reduced further spread.
• An additional foliar spray during spring may be required when wet and cool conditions cause late season infection on new growth.
• Recently registered products for AB on field peas demonstrated greater disease control and yield gain than older products.
• Disease control and yield improvement responses to fungicides have been observed where yield potential is >1.5 t/ha. Below that threshold, responses are generally not measurable and fungicides may not be economical.