Early leaf spot (Cercospora arachidi(:ola Hori) and late leaf spot (Piraeoisariopsis personataj
(Berk. and Curt.) v. Arx are the major diseases limiting yield of groundnut throughout the growing
areas in Nepal. Field experiments were conducted at the National Oilseed Research Program
(NORP) Nawalpur, Sarlahi, Nepal during 1997 and 1998 rainy seasons to determine the optirrmin
spray dates to control the leaf spots with high cost benefit ratio. Two groundnut varieties viz. B-4
and Jayanti were sprayed at different scheduled dates such as (i) 45 (ii) 60 (iii) 45&60 (iv) 60&75 ..
(v) 30,45&60 (vi) 45,60&75 (vii) 30.45,60&75 (viii) 45,60,75&90 (ix) 30,45,60,75&90 days after
sowing (DAS) with the fungicide Carbendazim 50WP (Bavistin®) @ 0.1% a.i. concentration.
Sprayings of Carbendazim 50WP increased kernel weight, shelling percentages, reduced
defoliation significantly over the control, and contributed to increase in pod yield by 8 to 84%:
Spraying of Carbendazim 50 WP at 45,60&75 DAS increased pod yield by 69% in variety B-4
and 67% in variety Jayanti and gave maximum cost benefit ratio of 6.0 and 5.6 in both the
varieties respectively. Increasing spray frequencies increased pod yield, however, the cost benefit
ratio declined and rather remained stagnant around 4.0 and 4.95 beyond 3 sprays scheduled at
45,60 & 75 DAS. In the years and locations when and where leaf spots are serious constraint in'
groundnut production, foliar application of the fungicide Carbendazim 50 W.P seems to be
encouraging and cost effective. It is therefore, worth recommending 2-3 sprays of Carbendazim @
0.1% at 45 & 60 DAS and 45,60 & 75 DAS to manage leaf spots effectively and economically.

Early leaf spot (Cercospora arachidi(:ola Hori) and late leaf spot (Piraeoisariopsis personataj
(Berk. and Curt.) v. Arx are the major diseases limiting yield of groundnut throughout the growing
areas in Nepal. Field experiments were conducted at the National Oilseed Research Program
(NORP) Nawalpur, Sarlahi, Nepal during 1997 and 1998 rainy seasons to determine the optirrmin
spray dates to control the leaf spots with high cost benefit ratio. Two groundnut varieties viz. B-4
and Jayanti were sprayed at different scheduled dates such as (i) 45 (ii) 60 (iii) 45&60 (iv) 60&75 ..
(v) 30,45&60 (vi) 45,60&75 (vii) 30.45,60&75 (viii) 45,60,75&90 (ix) 30,45,60,75&90 days after
sowing (DAS) with the fungicide Carbendazim 50WP (Bavistin®) @ 0.1% a.i. concentration.
Sprayings of Carbendazim 50WP increased kernel weight, shelling percentages, reduced
defoliation significantly over the control, and contributed to increase in pod yield by 8 to 84%:
Spraying of Carbendazim 50 WP at 45,60&75 DAS increased pod yield by 69% in variety B-4
and 67% in variety Jayanti and gave maximum cost benefit ratio of 6.0 and 5.6 in both the
varieties respectively. Increasing spray frequencies increased pod yield, however, the cost benefit
ratio declined and rather remained stagnant around 4.0 and 4.95 beyond 3 sprays scheduled at
45,60 & 75 DAS. In the years and locations when and where leaf spots are serious constraint in'
groundnut production, foliar application of the fungicide Carbendazim 50 W.P seems to be
encouraging and cost effective. It is therefore, worth recommending 2-3 sprays of Carbendazim @
0.1% at 45 & 60 DAS and 45,60 & 75 DAS to manage leaf spots effectively and economically.