Appraisal of yield losses in pearl millet due to downy mildew pathogen (Sclerospora graminicola) in Nigerian Sudan Savanna

Abstract Field trails were conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri during 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 cropping seasons to assess yield losses due to downy mildew on four pearl millet varieties namely Ex-Borno, SOSAT C-88, ICMV-IS-89102 and LCIC 9702. Split plot design was employed in which the four millet varieties were tested in the main plot, while the sub-plot factor consisted of five varying metalaxyl treatments of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% designed to generate varying incidences of downy mildew. Results showed that incidence of downy mildew increased with increase in days after sowing (DAS) irrespective of percentage metalaxyl treatment and millet varieties. Results of grain yield loss showed that there was an increase in yield loss due to downy mildew with a decrease in the percentage of plants grown from treated seeds in 2002 and 2004. Grain yield was not taken during 2001 – 2003 due to early cessation of rains. The highest yield loss (33.8%...