Eco Friendly Management of Cercospora Leaf Spot in Groundnut Using Biocontrol Agents and Essential Oils

Abstract

Groundnut, also known as peanut, is a vital oilseed crop in India. It plays a crucial role in the country's agriculture due to its diverse uses, serving as a source of edible oil, protein-rich food, and high-quality fodder from its foliage or haulm. India holds the distinction of having the largest area under groundnut cultivation globally and ranks second in total production. However, groundnut productivity is frequently challenged by various diseases, with Cercospora leaf spot being one of the most damaging. This disease, caused by the fungal pathogens Cercospora arachidicola and Cercospora personatum, leads to premature leaf fall, reduced photosynthesis, and significant yield losses in both Indian and international groundnut-growing regions. This study aimed to evaluate biological and botanical treatments for effective management of Cercospora leaf spot in groundnut. To explore sustainable and eco-friendly disease control options, a field study was conducted during the Kharif season of 2023 to evaluate the effectiveness of biological and natural treatments against Cercospora leaf spot. The experiment tested various treatments and their impact on plant growth and yield under real field conditions. Among all the treatments, T4 (Seed Treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens + Foliar Spray with Neem Oil) showed the most promising results. Plant Height showed significant growth, with heights reaching 20.36 cm at 30 days, 33.41 cm at 60 days, and 42.40 cm at 90 days after sowing. Number of Branches notable increase was observed in branching, with 5.53 branches at 30 days, 6.06 at 60 days, and 6.13 at 90 days, indicating improved vegetative vigor and canopy development Pod Yield Most importantly, the T4 treatment led to a significant increase in yield, recording 1.88 tonnes per hectare, far surpassing the untreated control (T0), which exhibited much lower productivity. The findings suggest that combined use of Pseudomonas fluorescens and neem oil could serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional disease control in groundnut cultivation.