Influence of variety and intra-row spacing on <i>Cercospora</i> leafspot disease of groundnut in Bauchi, Nigeria

Abstract

Cercospora leafspot infection was analyzed for ten diverse groundnut varieties sown at two intra-row spacings during 1998 and 1999 rainy seasons at Bauchi, Nigeria. Significantly (P<0.01) lower incidence and severity of Cercospora leafspot were obtained at 50x30cm intra-row spacing. Spacing of 50x20cm however encouraged development of the disease. Late maturing and spreading types were resistant to Cercospora leafspot,compared to erect and early maturing types which are susceptible. Progress of Cercospora leafspot on groundnut was influenced by higher rainfall, relative humidity and low temperatures.

Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 4(2) 2005: 177-182