Screening Techniques and Sources of Resistance to Downy Mildew and Rust in Pearl Millet


Book Description

Significant progress has been made in developing highly effective and reliable laboratory/greenhouse and field screening techniques and in using them to identify resistance, and to develop cultivars resistant to downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola). Using these techniques, 4771 accessions of pearl millet, 50 accessions of intermediate weedy forms, and 534 accessions of wild relatives, originating from 40 countries, have been screened in India and/or western Africa, and a large number of resistant sources identified. More than 20 breeding products have been developed and released for cultivation in India and Africa. Similar progress in developing cultivars resistant to rust (Puccinia spp.) has been made. This bulletin describes allthe currently known screening techniques and provides relevant information on important sources of resistance to these two diseases. It is expected to be useful to breeders and pathologists involved in improving pearl millet for genetic resistance to these two important diseases.













Advances in Downy Mildew Research


Book Description

Emphasis in this second volume of Advances in Downy Mildew Research is on the biology of compatible interactions, forecasting and epidemiology, host specialisation, genetic variability amongst pathogen populations, novel methods for detection and systematics, and induced resistance. Two chapters focus on the related oomycete Albugo candida, which shares many pathogenic characteristics with the downy mildews and provides a valuable comparative pathosystem. Contributions on specific downy mildews include Bremia lactucae, Peronospora destructor, Peronospora sparsa, Peronospora viciae, Plasmopara halstedii, Plasmopara viticola, Pseudoperonospora cubensis and Sclerospora graminicola. Review chapters on compatibility, forecasting and systematics consider a broader range of downy mildew fungi, and compare them with other oomycete and biotrophic pathogens. The book is relevant to anyone with an interest in these unique biotrophic pathogens, either in their own right as causes of damaging diseases or as model systems for research on host-pathogen interactions. It should be read by: students, teachers and researchers in academic and research institutes; research and development personnel in the agrochemical industries; agricultural and horticultural advisers, and other extension workers.




Biotic Stress Resistance in Millets


Book Description

Biotic Stress Resistance in Millets presents an important guide to the disease and pest-related challenges of this vital food crop. Biotic stresses are one of the major constraints for millet production, but newly emerging and forward-thinking problems with disease and insect pests are likely to increase as a result of changing weather, making this an imperative book on best practices. Current strategies are mainly through the development of resistant cultivars, as the use of chemicals is cost-prohibitive to many of those producing millet in developing countries where it is of most value as a food source. This book explores non-chemical focused options for improving plant resistance and protecting crop yield. This single-volume reference will be important for researchers, teachers and students in the disciplines of Agricultural Entomology, Plant protection, Resistance Plant Breeding and Biotechnological pest management. Establishes basic concepts of host resistance providing foundational insight Synthesizes past biotic stress resistance research with the latest findings to orient research for future strategies for plant protection Focuses exclusively on host plant resistance on all major diseases and pests of millets Presents data and strategies that are globally applicable as millets gain importance as a health food




Pearl Millet


Book Description

In this age of climate change, discover how pearl millet is considered a viable alternative cereal crop for semi-arid and hot areas Pearl millet, a warm-season, dryland cereal crop, is a staple food for over 90 million people in Africa and Asia. Its nutritional superiority relative to other cereal crops, such as rice, wheat, maize, and sorghum, and its hardiness and adaptability to harsh environments and poor soils make it a potentially life-saving resource for poor populations and/or areas hit by damaging climatic conditions. With climate change Placing an ever-greater strain on global agrifood systems, pearl millet has never been a more important crop in the fight against poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. Pearl Millet offers a thorough introduction to this potentially vital grain. Coming on the heels of a 2023 United Nations declaration of the “International Year of Millets,” it is a crucial intervention in an essential humanitarian project. It is the first comprehensive book on the subject to appear in print. Key Features: Analysis of a potential lead crop for climate-change-affected areas Detailed coverage of all pearl millet’s unique features, such as inherent genetic diversity, gluten free applications, and suitability for double cropping An author team with vast research and crop development experience Pearl Millet is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, certified and practicing professionals, as well as industry and academic researchers.







Ergot Disease of Pearl Millet


Book Description

Geographical distribution. Disease symptoms. Ergot-induced toxicity. Causal organism. Disease cycle. Disease management. Cultural control. Removal of sclerotia from seed. Eradication of collateral hosts. Chemical control. Biological control. Control through pollen management. Control through resistance. Background. Resistance screening technique. Development of resistant sources. Use of resistant sources in breeding.




Fundamentals of Field Crop Breeding


Book Description

This book is an advanced textbook and a reference book for the post-graduate plant-breeding students and the plant breeders. It consolidates fundamental concepts and also the latest advances in plant-breeding practices including development in crop genomics. It contains crop wise explanation on origin, reproduction, genetics of yield contributing traits, biotic and abiotic stresses, nutritional improvement and crop specific plant-breeding procedures and techniques. The chapters are planned to describe crop-focused breeding procedure for the major crop plants as per their economic importance. The recent developments in breeding of field crops have been reported. The recent progress made in mapping traits of economic importance has been critically reviewed for each crop. The progress made in markers assisted selected in few crops has been summarized. This book bridges the knowledge gap and bring to the researchers and students information on modern breeding tools for developing biotic and abiotic stress tolerant, climate resilient and micronutrient rich varieties of field crops. The chapters in book are contributed by experienced Plant Breeders.