Genetic Resistance in Pearl Millet Seed Parent Lines Against Diverse Pathotypes of Sclerospora graminicola
Genetic resistance to downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola) in parental lines of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucumGenetic resistance to downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola) in parental lines of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is critical for successful commercial cultivation of hybrid cultivars. Twenty-three genetically diverse B-lines were evaluated against two highly virulent, and old and new pathotypes of S. graminicola from two agro-climatic zones in India (Durgapura, Rajasthan, and Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh). Significant differences were observed among the genotypes, pathotypes and their interactions for downy mildew incidence. The downy mildew incidence across test B-lines ranged from 0 to 100%, and the reaction of the lines to different pathotypes varied considerably. Eight B-lines (ICMB 01777, -02333, -03888, -03999, -05333, -06555, -06888 and -07666) exhibited high levels of resistance across pathotypes. These resistant lines could be used in the development of F1 hybrids with stable resistance to diverse pathotypes of downy mildew in India.) is critical for successful commercial cultivation of hybrid cultivars. Twenty-three genetically diverse B-lines were evaluated against two highly virulent, and old and new pathotypes of S. graminicola from two agro-climatic zones in India (Durgapura, Rajasthan, and Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh). Significant differences were observed among the genotypes, pathotypes and their interactions for downy mildew incidence. The downy mildew incidence across test B-lines ranged from 0 to 100%, and the reaction of the lines to different pathotypes varied considerably. Eight B-lines (ICMB 01777, -02333, -03888, -03999, -05333, -06555, -06888 and -07666) exhibited high levels of resistance across pathotypes. These resistant lines could be used in the development of F1 hybrids with stable resistance to diverse pathotypes of downy mildew in India.