Identification and utilization of ergot resistance in pearl millet.
1993
Ergot (Claviceps fusiformis) is an important disease affecting pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Host-plant resistance has been
central to the disease management strategies at ICRISAT Center, and accordingly the identification, utilization, and deployment
of resistance to ergot has been a major objective of pearl millet improvement research. This bulletin summarizes research work
done at ICRISAT since 1977, which has led to the development of an effective field screening technique, based on a proper
understanding of pathogen biology and disease epidemiology, and the role of pollination in ergot infection and resistance
identification; development of ergot-resistance sources; determination of the stability of resistance; and utilization of some of
these sources of resistance to breed agronomically elite ergot-resistant materials, especially hybrid seed parents.
More than 11 100 pearl millet entries were screened, and plants with <10% ergot severity were intermated to select lines with
improved levels of resistance through pedigree breeding. About 280 ergot-resistant lines and populations were developed, and
characterized for their reactions to smut, downy mildew, and rust, and for various agronomic traits. Some of the ergot-resistant
lines and populations were used in breeding projects aimed at producing ergot-resistant male-sterile lines, hybrids, and openpollinated
varieties.
The information contained in this bulletin should be useful to breeders and pathologists involved in the genetic improvement
of pearl millet. Small quantities of seed of ergot-resistant lines are available on request.
Keywords:
- Correction
- Source
- Cite
- Save
- Machine Reading By IdeaReader
12
References
6
Citations
NaN
KQI