Wilt of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Queensland, with particular reference to Verticillium wilt

Abstract

Wilt symptoms encountered in peanuts in Queensland are discussed. It is shown that Verticillium dahliae Kleb. is the cause of the common condition and that Fusarium sp. is unimportant.
Pathogenicity on peanuts is demonstrated for isolates of Verticillium dahliae from tomato, plum and eggplant.
The field distribution of Verticillium wilt has greatly increased in recent years. It is suggested that the change to mechanical harvesting has brought this about.
The association of V erticillium wilt with the better class soil is discussed.
The disease is shown to reduce yield of individual plants by 14-60 per cent. Some of this reduction is due to incomplete filling out of the kernels. The variation in maturity in an affected crop is important.
Methods of control involving crop rotation with emphasis on weed control are suggested.