Determination of heterosis for downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet) tolerance in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br.)
1 Department of Crop Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
2 Department of Biological Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
Research Article
International Journal of Frontiers in Life Science Research, 2022, 02(02), 053–061.
Article DOI: 10.53294/ijflsr.2022.2.2.0037
Publication history:
Received on 09 March 2022; revised on 19 April 2022; accepted on 21 April 2022
Abstract:
Downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet) is the most important disease of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br.) in many countries of the world including Nigeria. The study was conducted at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Dry land farm, Sokoto State and Bui village in Arewa local government area of Kebbi State both in Nigeria to determine heterosis for downy mildew in some pearl millet crosses. Twelve parents and thirty hybrids were evaluated for their reaction to the disease. The genotypes were sown in the field in randomized complete block design with two replications. They were inoculated by spraying them with sporangia suspension at seedling stage. Data were collected on downy mildew disease incidence, severity score and some agronomic traits. Analysis of variance for combine location depicts significant (P < 0.05) difference among the genotypes for all the characters except plant height (PHT), number of panicles harvested (NPH) and panicle weight (PWT). Heterosis over high parent and mid parent recorded positive and negative heterotic values in desired direction for grain yield (kg/ha), downy mildew incidence and severity across the locations.
Keywords:
Heterosis; Hybrids; Downy mildew; Genotypes; Tolerance
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