Foliar diseases, particularly late leaf spot (LLS) and rust, pose significant challenges to groundnut production in various regions worldwide. These foliar diseases not only diminish yield but also adversely affect seed quality. The screening of 31 genotypes of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) was undertaken to evaluate the per cent disease incidence of late leaf spot and rust diseases. Several genotypes of different origins were subjected to screening for resistance against late leaf spot (LLS) and rust. The investigation demonstrated considerable variability among the genotypes in terms of their resistance to LLS and rust. The crops were cultivated and the occurrence of late leaf spot and rust in field was quantified. The results revealed diverse disease incidences among the genotypes, emphasizing the need for targeted measures to manage these production constraints. The percentage of disease incidence for late leaf spot ranged from 13.67 per cent to 55.33 per cent, while rust incidence varied from 10.33 per cent to 41.33 per cent across the studied genotypes. The identification of disease-resistant genotypes stands out as a highly effective strategy to enhance production of groundnut in diverse regions. This study aims to assess disease incidence and yield outcomes across various peanut genotypes with the goal of identifying the top-performing varieties concerning both yield and disease resistance.

Groundnut, Late leaf spot, Rust, Disease, Incidence

In the present study groundnut genotypes were evaluated for resistance to late leaf spot and rust. The study comprising 31 genotypes of different origin. In this experiment concluded that the identified genotypes resistant to LLS and rust under natural diseases conditions. Per cent disease incidence of late leaf spot and rust in the genotypes under study revealed that genotypes GPBD-4, KDG-128, KDG-160KDG-123, KDG-222, KDG-218, ICGV-181051 and KDG-217 exhibits less per cent disease incidence for both the diseases and these genotypes also had better yield. The results indicated that the genotypes which exhibits less per cent disease incidence, performs good and had higher pod yield per plant as compares to the genotypes which showing maximum per cent disease incidence. The resistant genotypes are also useful as elite parents in peanut breeding program. Understanding the mechanism of resistance in genotypes identified for specific adaptation and wide adaptation will enable the peanut breeders to diversify the genetic base of resistance to foliar fungal diseases. Identification and selection of resistant genotypes will lead to develop disease resistance with high yielding groundnut genotypes.

K.A. Wagh, M.S. Kamble, S.J. Waghmare, A.R. Thakre, M.S. Mote, N.A. Deore and S.V. Khadtare (2023). Evaluation of Genotypes Against Late Leaf Spot and Rust Diseases in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(12): 16-19.