Effect of Water Absorbent Compounds on the Incidence of Downy Mildew in Pearl Millet under Arid Conditions

摘要

Downy mildew caused by Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) J. Schrot, is an important disease of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]. Use of disease-resistant cultivars is the most economic and feasible method for controlling this disease. Cultural control methods have been found effective to some extent (Singh et al. 1993), but most of these practices are season- or location-specific. Chemical control by treating seed with metalaxyl (Apron 35 SD~(R)) at the rate of 2 g a.i., kg~(-1) seed withone or two sprays of Ridomil MZ 72 WP~(R) (metalaxyl + mancozeb) has been successful, High soil moisture at the time of sowing and at germination has also been found to discourage downy mildew infection in pearl millet (Kenneth 1981). Gupta and Gupta (1988) indicated the possibility of reducing downy mildew incidence through proper management of initial soil moisture. The water absorption and retention capacity of the soil can be improved by using water absorbents (Bandopadhyay and Ray 1988). The present study focusses on the possible use of water absorbents as a complementary measure for controlling downy mildew in pearl millet.