Efficacy of Various Control Measures against Downy Mildew (Sclerospora graminicola) in Pearl Millet: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br), commonly known as Bajra, is a staple cereal crop in dry and semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa, valued for its nutritional richness, drought tolerance, and adaptability to poor soils. pearl millet is highly susceptible to downy mildew, a major disease caused by the pathogen Sclerospora graminicola. Integrated approaches combining bio-agents like fluorescent Pseudomonas spp., fungicides, and resistant varieties are gaining importance for sustainable disease control. This research aims to compare the efficacy of different treatments against Sclerospora graminicola to identify the most effective and environmentally sustainable strategy for managing downy mildew in pearl millet cultivation. The present study was undertaken during the Kharif season of 2024 at the Rainfed Organic Agriculture Research Farm,  Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. To evaluate the progression of downy mildew disease of pearl millet under natural epiphytotic conditions and to assess the efficacy of selected seed treatments and foliar applications. Significant differences were observed among treatments in terms of plant population, seedling emergence, and disease incidence. The highest number of plants per plot (47.67) and seedling emergence percentage (95.33%) were recorded in the treatment comprising seed treatment with Metalaxyl @ 6 g/kg seed combined with foliar spray of Propiconazole 25% EC @ 0.25%. This treatment also exhibited the lowest downy mildew incidence at both 30 DAS (2.00%) and 60 DAS (3.28%). Biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma harzianum @ 6 g/kg seed and Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 8 g/kg seed showed moderate efficacy, recording lower disease incidence than the untreated control. The control plots, which received no seed treatment or spray, showed the poorest performance with the lowest plant count (27.50), lowest seedling emergence (55.00%), and the highest disease incidence at both 30 DAS (33.97%) and 60 DAS (35.12%). These findings clearly demonstrate the superior performance of integrated chemical seed treatment and foliar application in enhancing seedling establishment and reducing downy mildew disease in pearl millet. These findings are consistent with the principles of IDM and advocate for their adoption in downy mildew-prone regions to ensure healthy crop establishment and yield sustainability.