Evaluation of pearl millet R-line under field condition to identify resistance sources of foliar blast pathogen

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), an important staple food crop in the semiarid tropics of the world, is infected by a number of diseases. Important among these are downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola), blast (Pyricularia grisea), rust (Puccinia substriata var. indica). Ergot (Claviceps fusiformis) and smut (Moesiziomyces penicillariae) that individually or in combination cause substantial yield and quality losses. Effective and economic control of these diseases can be achieved by growing disease resistant varieties and hybrids. One hundred thirty potential R-lines were evaluated for blast resistance in the field. One hundreds eighteen lines identified as blast resistant (score ≤3.0 on 1-9 scale). These resistant lines would be useful in breeding blast resistant pearl millet hybrids.