Brown Leaf Spot of Pearl Millet Caused by Bipolaris urochloae in Zimbabwe. S. D. Singh, Plant Pathologist, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru P.O., Andhra Pradesh 502 324, India. W. A. J. de Milliano, E. Mtisi, and P. Chingombe. Cereals Pathologist, SADCC/ICRISAT, Sorghum Millet Improvement Program (SMIP), Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Plant Pathologist, Department of Research and Specialist Services, Plant Protection Research Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe; and Research Technician, SADCC/ICRISAT, SMIP, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Plant Dis. 74:931-932. Accepted for publication 13 February 1990. Copyright 1990 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-74-0931.

A leaf spot disease of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), characterized by the presence of extremely variable symptoms ranging from small dots or flecks to large, rectangular or spindle-shaped spots, was caused by Bipolaris urochloae. The spots have gray centers with brown margins. The disease, though not threatening at present, was observed at several locations in Zimbabwe during 1985–87. Limited observations suggest that the disease is potentially important. This appears to be the first report of this pathogen attacking pearl millet.