Identify and describe atleast two diseases that attack groundnuts and how it can be controlled ?

1. Groundnut rust: Groundnut rust is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Puccinia arachidis. It appears as orange-brown pustules on the leaves, stems, and pods of the groundnut plant. The disease can lead to reduced yield and quality of the groundnuts.

Control measures for groundnut rust include:
- Planting resistant varieties: There are groundnut varieties that are resistant to rust, so planting these varieties can help prevent the disease.
- Crop rotation: Rotating groundnuts with non-host crops can help reduce the build-up of the pathogen in the soil.
- Fungicide application: Fungicides can be used to control rust, but it is important to follow the recommended application rates and timings to prevent resistance.

2. Groundnut bacterial wilt: Groundnut bacterial wilt is caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. It is a soil-borne disease that affects the vascular system of the groundnut plant, leading to wilting, yellowing of leaves, and eventual plant death.

Control measures for groundnut bacterial wilt include:
- Planting disease-free seeds: Using certified disease-free seeds can help prevent the introduction of the pathogen into the field.
- Soil sterilization: Sterilizing the soil before planting can help reduce the population of the bacterium.
- Crop rotation: Rotating groundnuts with non-host crops can help reduce the build-up of the pathogen in the soil.
- Resistant varieties: Planting groundnut varieties that are resistant to bacterial wilt can help prevent the disease.