Appraisal of Groundnut Rust in India: Problems and Approach

Abstract

Groundnut rust (Puccinia arachidis Speg.) was first noted in India in 1969. Since then it has been recorded in many parts of the country and must now be regarded as a well-established pathogen. It is likely that the present trend to continuous cultivation of groundnuts in parts of India has contributed to the increasing economic importance of this disease by allowing inoculum build-up in these areas from which it has spread elsewhere. At present no suitable control measures exist and serious epidemics may be expected. In view of this and the lack of information on groundnut rust, more research into this problem on a national level is urgently required.