ABSTRACT
The major diseases attacking the groundnut crop include leaf spot, rust, stem rot, collar rot, bud necrosis, rosette, etc. Reportedly, more than 55 pathogens including viruses are known to attack the groundnut crop. Also, more than 70 species of plant parasitic nematodes have been reported in association with groundnut diseases. The collar rot disease can be effectively managed by following a blend of management practices. The important diseases of groundnut like leaf spots, rust, viral diseases and contamination of aflatoxins continued to be major problems associated with the groundnut crop. For the management of viral diseases, more research into exploring new ways of applying biotechnology is required. The development of novel and safe alternatives to chemical fungicides and pesticides that controls diseases as well as trigger host defence mechanisms may be emphasized. Some of the economically important diseases of groundnut include stem rot, collar rot, aflaroot, tikka disease, rust, bud necrosis, peanut clump, peanut mottle and stem necrosis.
