RA 00183.pdf - OAR@ICRISAT

Groundnut Leaf Disease Control
in Burkina Faso
J.P. Bosc and A. Minoungou 1
In Burkina Faso, the spread of leaf diseases is closely linked to climatic zones. In areas
where rainfall is less than 900 mm, early leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola Hori) predominates.
Late leaf spot (Phaeoisariopsis personata) and rust (Puccinia arachidis Speg.) are
negligible in these regions, but increase in severity with higher rainfall and are a major
problem in areas with rainfall regimes over 1000 mm, i.e mainly in the south-western part of
the country. In this region, there are also outbreaks of rosette of variable intensity from year to
year.
Studies on control of these pathogens concentrated on the Niangoloko region, which
borders on Cote d'lvoire. The varieties which are presently released in the area were developed
through a breeding program for rosette resistance, and have been available for about 15
years to farmers. These varieties are very productive and cover the three growing periods
which suit the area: RMP 12 and RMP 91, virginia-type with long growing periods (150 days);
59-426 and 69-101, virginia-type with medium growing periods (120 days); and QH 243 C
and KH 149 A, spanish-type with a short growing period (90 days). RMP 12 and RMP 91
show partial resistance to late leaf spot. This resistance level although low appears to be
adequate to control the disease.
The damage caused by these three pathogens is shown when the foliage of the plant is
monitored. The combined effect of rust and early leaf spot or rust and late leaf spot on RMP
12 leads to severe defoliation from the mid-growing period onwards. Yield losses are about
40% in the variety RMP 12 (due to both rust and leaf spot equally). The loss is about the
same for the variety 59-426. QH 243 C seems more tolerant and showed only 20% loss in
1989.
Research on groundnut leaf disease control aims to improve cultivar and develop cropping
practices that will lessen the effects of these diseases as well as the use of chemical control
to protect these varieties.
1. Phytopathologiste; Attache de recherche, Institut d'etudes et de recherches agricoles (INERA), B.P. 7192,
Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.
Citation: ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics). 1991. Summary Proceedings of
the Second ICRISAT Regional Groundnut Meeting for West Africa, 11-14 Sep 1990, ICRISAT Sahelian Center,
Niamey, Niger. Patancheru, A.P. 502 324, India: ICRISAT.
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