Why Do The Leaves Of My Peanuts Have Spots?

Are there numerous spots on the upper surface of leaflets?

Are there any small chlorotic flecks with a yellow halo on leaf petioles, stems, and pegs that enlarge and turn dark in color?

Are there any circular lesions with red-brown margins and light brown or tan centers on leaves?

Do the leaves have reddish or pale yellow areas on their upper side and dusty orange blisters on the undersides?

Are the leaves curling and showing signs of chlorosis on their margins?

Are there circular, brown-black lesions on the upper surfaces of the leaves?

Do the leaves have mottled appearance, or are curled and pale yellow to green?

Are there singular, or closely grouped circular to irregularly shaped holes in the foliage?

Are the leaves covered in coarse stippling and may appear silvery?

Are the leaves yellow and deformed, the plant looks stunted, fine webbing may be present?

Spots are caused by a fungal disease - Botrytis blight. You can only prevent Botrytis blight disease by planting in areas with good air circulation. Water plants sparsely. Severely infected plants should be removed. Spray weekly with a copper fungicide until the disease is under control.

Early leaf spot and Late leaf spot are fungal diseases with similar symptoms that attack peanuts. Both diseases are favored by high humidity and warm temperatures. Peanut crop debris should be plowed into soil after harvest. Rotate crops away from peanuts for 2-3 years. Plant resistant varieties.

Phyllostica leaf spot is a fungal disease known to occur in peanuts in the USA. Peanut crop debris should be plowed into soil after harvest. Rotate crops away from peanuts for 2-3 years. Plant resistant varieties.

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Rust. Provide good air circulation around plants by thining them. Avoid making leaves wet when watering. Remove and destroy all garden debris before spring. All infected leaves should be removed. Spray leaves with sulfur early in the season to prevent rust or to treat mild infections.

A soilborne fungus causes a disease called Verticillium wilt. There is no way to save a plant once it has this problem. Don't plant peanuts in soil that has sustained other Verticillium-susceptible crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. If you suspect Verticillium fungi may be in your soil, solarize it for 1-2 months over the summer before planting Verticillium-susceptible plants.

Phoma leaf spot is a fungal disease favored by cool, moist conditions and periods of prolonged leaf wetness. Remove and destroy infected crop debris to prevent the build-up of inoculum in the soil. Rotate crops away from peanut.

Several viruses are known to infect peanuts. Peanut stunt virus causes curled and pale yellow to green leaves, and Tomato spotted wilt virus and Peanut bud necrosis virus cause mottled patterns on leaves. Control thrips and aphids. Destroy all infected plants and eliminate weeds within the growing area.

Armyworm is a serious pest of peanuts. This insect can go through 3–5 generations a year. Organic methods of controlling armyworms include biological control by natural enemies that parasitize the larvae and the application of BTK spray (Bacillus thuringiensis).

These symptoms indicate thrips. Thrips are tiny, yellow to black flying insects. They hide under the leaves. Severely infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Control thrips by introducing lady beetles or lacewings, their natural predators. Insecticidal soap helps in severe infestations.

Two-spotted spider mites are known to cause problems for peanuts. Hose off plants when symptoms first appear. A strong stream knocks mites off plants and may give control. Introduce predatory mites. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.

If the leaves of your peanuts are yellowing and wilting, the problem might be environmental. Overwatering causes root rot which causes leaves to wilt, nutrient deficiency shows as foliage discoloration or yellowing. Apply compost into the soil to increase organic matter and make soil drain better.