Fungicidal control of ascochyta blight of field pea

The use of fungicides for the control of ascochyta blight in field pea was investigated. Four fungicides were applied to the cultivars AC Tamer and Radley at two locations in Manitoba in 1993 and 1994. Fungicides were applied either once, twice, or three times at 10-d intervals, beginning at the initiation of flowering. Chlorothalonil and benomyl were effective in reducing the severity of ascochyta blight and increasing the yield and seed weight of field pea. The triple application of chlorothalonil resulted in a mean yield increase of 33% over that of the untreated control. Iprodione and propiconazole were relatively ineffective in controlling ascochyta blight. The percentage of seedborne ascochyta was not significantly affected by fungicide treatments. The severity of ascochyta blight was greater in 1993 that in 1994, resulting in greater benefits of chlorothalonil and benomyl applications in 1993.