Survey of northern Madhya Pradesh pearl millet growing districts to find out the blast severity

Abstract

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. Blast incited by Pyricularia grisea (Cooke) Sacc. Has occupied a key position among the pearl millet diseases resulting severe losses in high yield potential hybrids/ varieties particularly cultivated for fodder purpose. The disease survey was carried out in Morena, Bhind and Gwalior as these three districts jointly contribute more than 70% in area and production of the state. The survey result reveals that blast is a serious problem in the Northern region of M.P. As its severity in the above three district was 12.6%, 11.10% and 11.73% respectively.