Chickpea (Garbanzo Bean) (Cicer arietinum)-Virus diseases

Latest revision: 
March 2024

Cause Red clover vein mosaic virus. This disease has been reported at low levels in eastern Washington. Red clover is also a host and the virus is spread by aphids.

Symptoms Plants may exhibit a mosaic with bud proliferation and malformation of leaves and branches. A severe stunting can also occur as well a severe reduction in flower and pod numbers.

Cultural control

  • Do not plant chickpeas adjoining an established clover field.
  • Destroy clover plants on ditch banks or waste areas in order to remove reservoirs of the virus.