Peanut Pests and Diseases: Leaf Spot, White Mold and Aflatoxin
Common peanut problems: early and late leaf spot, white mold, tomato spotted wilt virus, aflatoxin, thrips, wireworms and burrower bugs.
Muhammet Elma
4 November 2026
1 min read
The main peanut diseases are leaf spots, white mold and the virus TSWV. Aflatoxin, a toxin produced by Aspergillus moulds in drought-stressed or poorly dried peanuts, is a serious food-safety issue.
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Diseases
- Early and late leaf spot: brown or black spots, defoliation; rotate and use fungicides in fields.
- White mold (southern blight): white threads and tan beads at the stem base.
- TSWV: stunted, yellow ring-spotted plants; spread by thrips.
- Aflatoxin: prevent with irrigation, timely harvest and fast drying.
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Pests
- Thrips: crinkled young leaves, spread TSWV.
- Wireworms and burrower bugs: damage pods.
- Squirrels, crows and voles: dig up seeds and pods.
More Peanut Guides
- How to Grow Peanuts: The Complete Guide
- When to harvest and cure peanuts
- Peanut yield
- When to plant peanuts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prevent aflatoxin in peanuts?
Avoid drought stress, harvest on time, dry quickly below 10% moisture and discard damaged pods.
Why rotate peanuts?
Rotation with grasses for 2–3 years cuts leaf spot, white mold and nematodes.
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Muhammet Elma
TarlaTapan guides focus on practical, field-tested growing advice. Corrections and suggestions are welcome at info@tarlatapan.tr.