528 



Journal of the Department of Agriculture. 



A LEAF SPOT OF THE PEA-NUT OR MONKEY- 

 NUT PLANT. 



Caused by the fungus Septogloeum arachidis, Rac 



By Paul A. van dee, Bijl, M.A., D.Sc, F.L.S., Mycologist in 

 Charge, Natal Herbarium. 



The object of this brief note is to call attention to the existence of a 

 serious disease noticed especially along the coastal region of Natal on 

 pea-nut or monkey-nut plants (Arachis hypogea). 



Fig. 1. — Photograph of Leaves aiul Stem of the Monkey-Nut I'lant 

 suffering from attack by the Fungus Sfi/iftifflnfium a/'i(c/nJis. 

 Note the Black Spots. 



The disease shows itself as black, circular to irregular spots or 

 flecks which, though more prevalent on the leaves, occur also on 

 the leaf stalks and stems (fig. 1). It is caused by a microscopic 

 fungus, known scientifically as Septogloeum arachidis, which invades 

 Ihe tissues of tho nionkey-iiut plant. The vegetative part or myrelium 



