The dreaded aphanomyces has been found in the fields… does that mean it’s time to quit growing pulses?
Robyne Davidson, pulse and special crops research scientist with Lakeland College, says not necessarily, as she speaks with RealAgriculture’s Amber Bell about aphanomyces host and non-host crops in this episode of Pulse School.
Aphanomyces thrives in wet soil conditions where susceptible host crops are present. While peas and lentils are highly susceptible, alternatives such as lupins and soybeans are showing promise as non-host crops. “Lupins don’t wake up the spores,” says Davidson. “They just don’t contribute to the spore load, so you’re not making the problem worse.”
Other pulse options such as chickpeas and faba beans fall into the “resistant” category — meaning the disease may still be present in the roots but won’t typically cause symptoms or yield losses. However, Davidson cautions that as new aphanomyces pathotypes emerge, resistance may not be absolute, particularly in faba beans.
Davidson emphasizes the importance of comprehensive soil sampling and field history tracking. Since aphanomyces spores tend to cluster, one or two samples may not reflect the true picture. “Take lots of samples,” she advises, “and pay attention to wet zones.”
Research continues, with lupins drawing particular interest as a truly non-host pulse crop. Until then, careful planning and good data are key to managing aphanomyces in the field.
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