Variability among Moesziomyces penicillariae (Bref.) Vanky, the incitant of smut of pearl millet

Morphological, cultural and pathological variability was studied in five isolates (Tp I, Tp II, Tp III, Tp IV and Tp V) of Moesziomyces penicillariae, the incitant of smut of pearl millet. These isolates were collected from the four different agro climatic zones of Rajasthan. The size of sporeballs revealed no variation among isolates. However, size of the teliospores, length of sporidia and their germination percentage varied significantly among different isolates. Glucose yeast extract agar medium supported maximum growth of the fungus. Maximum growth appeared in isolate Tp V followed by Tp II. The average growth of Tp I isolate was found to be the lowest among the tested isolates. Isolate Tp V was most virulent and caused higher disease severity followed by Tp II and Tp I. Isolates Tp III and Tp IV were less virulent with low mean smut severity. The highest mean smut severity (24.77%) was recorded in cultivar ICMH 356 followed by 7042 S (22.64%). The minimum severity was recorded in Pusa 334 (0.98%) followed by ICTP8203 (1.39%). Studies on pathogenic variability suggested difference in the virulence among the isolates and isolate Tp V was found to be most virulent.