Sure, here’s an article on Farmer asked fungus control information of groundnut.
As a farmer, it’s important to be vigilant about crop diseases and the possible methods to control them. Groundnut or peanut is one of the most important crops cultivated worldwide, and it’s susceptible to fungal diseases. Farmers need to know how to prevent, detect, and treat fungal diseases in their groundnut fields to achieve maximum yields. In this article, we’ll explore essential information on fungal diseases that affect groundnut crops and the best ways to control them.
Fungal diseases that affect groundnut crops:
1. Early leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause early defoliation, which results in significant yield loss. The infected leaves develop yellow or brown spots and may fall prematurely. The disease spreads quickly during periods of high humidity and temperatures of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.
2. Late leaf spot: This fungal disease affects the groundnut leaves and causes irregular-shaped, dark spots. The disease can also cause defoliation resulting in a significant yield loss if not treated.
3. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of groundnut plants. The infected leaves develop small circular or oval brown pustules, which may later turn black. The affected pods and stems become brittle and may break.
4. Aspergillus flavus: This fungal disease causes aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts, which can cause liver cancer in humans. The fungus can infect the groundnut pods in the field, and the contamination can continue during storage and transportation.
Control measures:
1. Crop rotation: One of the most effective strategies to control fungal diseases in groundnut fields is crop rotation. Rotate groundnut crops with other crops like maize or sorghum, which are not susceptible to the same fungal diseases.
2. Seed treatment: Seed treatment with fungicides can help reduce the transmission of fungal diseases during the germination process. This method may not control diseases that infect the plants later.
3. Fungicide sprays: Fungicide sprays are the most commonly used control method in commercial groundnut farming. Farmers need to apply the fungicides at the right time, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Cultural practices: Farmers can adopt several cultural practices to prevent fungal diseases in groundnut fields. These practices include maintaining adequate spacing between the plants, removing infected plant residues, and using resistant cultivars.
In conclusion, fungal diseases can significantly reduce groundnut yields if not controlled. Farmers should practice good crop management, including crop rotation, seed treatment, fungicide sprays, and cultural practices. Early detection and intervention are also crucial in controlling groundnut fungal diseases. With proper management, groundnut farming can be a profitable venture.