Efficacy of Different Fungicides for the Management of Downy Mildew of Pearl Millet

Abstract

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], commonly referred as bajra, is a crucial cereal food and fodder crop. It is the most extensively cultivated drought-tolerant, warm-season coarse grain crop. This crop is susceptible to numerous diseases, among them downy mildew caused by Sclerospora graminicola is the most prevalent and devastating. Sclerospora graminicola, a major soil-borne fungal pathogen, causes downy mildew and is challenging to control. This study assessed the effectiveness of eight different fungicides formulations in managing the pathogen in vivo (pot culture). The seeds were treated with standard fungicide Metalaxyl 35% SD @ 6.0 g kg-1 and sown in pots filled with sick soil of Sclerospora graminicola. Fungicides with recommended concentration were sprayed at 15 and 30 days after sowing. The observations on germination percentage, per cent disease incidence, per cent disease control were recorded. The highest per cent disease control (60.00%) were recorded for Metalaxyl 35 SD @ 6.0 g kg-1, Bordeaux mixture @ 1% and Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64 % WP @ 0.4% followed by Azoxystrobin 18.2 % + Cyproconazole 7.3% w/w SC @ 0.05% (49.98%) over control. While Azoxystrobin 18.2 % + Difenoconazole 11.4 % SC @ 0.1% and Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% ww SC were least effective compared to the rest of fungicides