The leaf spot or Tikka disease (Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium personatum) of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is the predominant, devastating, common constraints and economically important foliar fungal disease and major yield reducing factor of groundnut, not only in Bangladesh, but also all over the world. The yield loss was calculated in the groundnut due to early and late leaf spot (Tikka) by over 30-48% in Bangladesh. The efficacy of three botanicals viz. neem leaf (Azadirachta indica), debdaru leaf (Polyalthia longifolia), and datura leaf (Datura metel), BAU-Biofungicide along with a check (Bavistin) and untreated control were evaluated as foliar spray in the field in the present research work. Among the treatments, BAU-Biofungicide, extracts of neem leaf, datura leaf and debdaru leaf showed excellent performance in controlling leaf spot and increasing pod yield by 53.61, 51.91, 40.85 and 38.72%, respectively as compared to control. In case of seedling germination, BAU-Biofungicide as seed treatment+ spray gave 97.77% germination followed by extracts of neem leaf (88.14%), datura leaf (93.33%) and debdaru leaf (95.55%). BAU-Biofungicide as seed treatment+ spray produced higher length and weight of shoot and root and vigour index as compared to untreated control. Maximum vigour index was observed under BAU-Biofungicide spray. BAU-Biofungicide as seed treatment+ spray gave higher plant height, number of leaves and minimum number of infected leaves as compared to control. Minimum percentages of leaf area diseased were obtained with BAU-Biofungicide as seed treatment + spray followed by Bavistin. BAU-Biofungicide, extracts of neem leaf, datura leaf and debdaru leaf showed promising performance in number and weight of pods and pod yield. Maximum weight of pods/plant and weight of mature pods/plant was achieved with BAU-Biofungicide as seed treatment + sprays followed by extract of neem leaf spray. The highest net profit was recorded with the use of BAU–Biofungicide as seed treatment + foliar spray by Tk. 176768.00/ha followed by extracts of neem leaf Tk. 172275.00/ha, while the lowest Tk. 96443.00/ha in untreated control. Maximum Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) 1: 2.77 was found in BAU–Biofungicide seed treatment + spray followed by BAU–Biofungicide seed treatment (1: 2.65), BAU–Biofungicide spray (1: 2.64) and extracts of neem leaf (1:2.62).
Favorable Weather Temperature 18-35°C, Rainfall at least 60mm
Control measure Common name and dose Trade name
Sray of Propiconazole @1gm/L water. Champion/ wine/Akonazole 250 EC Infestation satge
initiation stage. Vegetative to flowering- Pod