Bioagent and chemicals seed dressing for management of Pearl millet downy mildew incited by Sclerospora graminicola

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is an important nutri-cereal for human as well as a forage/fodder crop for livestock. It is the only cereal crop that is capable for adopting harsh climate condition and marginal soil. Out of 50 lines, 7 lines remained free from downy mildew at 60 days after sowing while 80.80% disease incidence was recorded in 7042S at 60 days after sowing. All the tested lines were significantly superior over 7042S. More than 10% downy mildew was recorded in 38 lines at 60 days after transplanting, the other lines except 38 lines showed less than 10% downy mildew. At 20 to 80 days after sowing the minimum incidence was recorded in the seed treatment of Metalaxyl @ 6 g/kg followed by Amectoctradin + Dimethomorph (0.4 ml/500 ml water) and seed dressing with Mancozeb @ 3 g/kg. However, the bioagents and cultural method also found as an alternative method for disease management. The maximum grain yield was achieved with Metalaxyl @ 6 g/kg and Amectoctradin + Dimethomorph (0.4 ml/500 ml water) treatment.