This symptom may be present only on leaves from one branch of a plant with all other branches displaying normal leaves. This condition is thought to be genetic in origin, and no organism is involved. The green chlorophyll pigment fails to develop and the yellowed variegation occurs. Enlarged white fluffy structures called lenticels form on pegs and pods when soil is saturated with water. This is the means by which surface area is increased to contact more available oxygen.
Lenticels are localized enlargments of plant cells.
Soil borne organisms attack peanut seedlings at various stages in their development. Poor quality, low energy or physically damaged seed may actually rot before germination. Plants from healthy seed that germinate well may develop brown to black spots on the elongating below-ground parts. Under cold or unfavorable soil conditions these lesions increase rapidly and often girdle and kill the seedling before it can become established. The problem is more severe in some fields than others.