An Improved Field Screening Technique for Downy Mildew Resistance in Pearl Millet. R. J. Williams, Millet Improvement Program, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, ICRISAT Patancheru P.O., Andhra Pradesh 502 324, India. S. D. Singh, and M. N. Pawar, Millet Improvement Program, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, ICRISAT Patancheru P.O., Andhra Pradesh 502 324, India. Plant Dis. 65:239-241. Copyright 1981 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-65-239.

An effective, large-scale field screening technique has been developed to identify sources of resistance to downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola) in pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum). The technique, based on preplanted infector rows that provide sporangial inoculum, has been successfully used to identify and improve downy mildew resistance in composites, cultivars, and hybrid parents. The major advantages of the technique are reliability, uniformity of inoculum distribution, flexibility in location and size of screening plots, effectiveness throughout the year (including the dry winter [postrainy] season), and independence from rainfall.

Keyword(s): oospores, zoospores.