FACTSHEETS FOR FARMERS
www.plantwise.orgCreated in Myanmar [Burma], June 2014
Leaf Spot on Groundnut
Recognize the problem
The difference between early and late leaf spot are that early leaf spot causes
brownish grey lesions on the lower leaf surface, and late leaf spot causes black
spots on the upper leaf. Early leaf spots are irregular and late leaf spots are
small and regular.
Background
This disease occurs 3-5 weeks after sowing. Early leaf spot occurs first and late
leaf spot develops second. It is a soil borne disease and spreads by rain, water
and wind from infected groundnut debris. Leaf spot can reduce photosynthesis
rate and weaken the plant.
Management
• Use a resistant variety such as Sinpadetha 6 or Sinpadetha 7
• Remove the alternative hosts
• Burn and bury the infected plant debris
• Use a fungicide such as chlorothalonil (e.g. Daconil), benomyl (e.g.
Funomyl 50WP) or thiophanate-methyl (e.g. Topsin M)
Scientific name(s) > Mycosphaerella arachidis, Mycosphaerella berkeleyi
The recommendations in this factsheet are relevant to: Myanmar [Burma]
Authors: Plant Protection Division
Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation
tel: (+95) 01 644214 / 640459
Edited by Plantwise
Plantwise is a global initiative led by CABI
MM001En
Lose Less, Feed More
Symptom of early leaf spot. (Photo
by Jill M. Lenné/ ICRISAT)
Late leaf spot. (Photo by Jill M.
Lenné/ ICRISAT)
When using a pesticide, always wear protective clothing and follow the instructions on the product label, such
as dosage, timing of application, and pre-harvest interval.
