Variation in Pigment Production by Cercospora personata.

Pigments from two different isolates of Cercospora personata CP3 & CP4 were proved to be pathogenic, toxigenic and photosensitive. Spectral characters of the pigments were studied and correlated with their phytotoxicity to groundnut leaves. The red pigment from CP4 isolates was more toxic, caused highest degree of necrosis, and was identified as cercosporin. Further cytotoxic functions of cercosporin were also studied in an attempt to understand the major cause of hepatic cancers in communities at high risk.