Leaf spot disease of groundnut: A review of existing research on management strategies

Abstract

The early and late leaf spot disease (ELS and LLS) caused by the Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium personatum is one of the most important economic diseases in groundnut production. The effect of the disease can lead to up to 70% yield loss under severe conditions. Even though there are an array of management approaches in curbing the menace of the disease, these seem not to be enough to completely control the disease. It is therefore important to develop additional and more improved strategies via the implementation of sustainable approaches. Around the globe, several researches have been conducted on this topic, with most of them leading to prosperous and dynamic outcomes that could lead to a lasting solution to the disease, and hence improving farmers’ income. It is therefore important to know what work has been done in order to identify gaps that needs to be filled. The objective of this review is to discuss recent research findings on the management of the leaf spot disease on groundnut. This will include cultural control, chemical control, the use of antagonistic organisms, and host plant resistance. These areas unabatedly continue to be an active research area, and current information on their efficacy will continuously be available. In this review, we have discussed some of the mechanisms involved and also suggested some ways to maximize the outcomes for further interventions.

Keywords:

• Cercospora arachidicola
• Cercosporidium personatum
• chemical control
• resistance
• yield loss

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no direct funding for this research.