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Understanding and identifying appropriate adaptation optons for cropping systems and management practices at spatial and temporal scales is an important prerequisite for scaling. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br.) could be regarded as a risk-reducing measure crop under climate change when coupled with tactical agronomic management practices. In this study, we assess the impacts of adaptation strategies such as cultivar type, planting windows, and fertilizer strategies on pearl millet production under rainfed farming systems over Nigeria and Senegal using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model. The impact of climate change on millet yield was evaluated using a validated APSIM-millet module that utilized yield data collected through participatory research and extension approach (PREA) in contrasting environments. The climate model projections for the mid-century period (2040-2069) were compared against a baseline period of 1980-2009 for both locations. During the simulation, two millet varieties (improved local and dualpurpose) with two sowing regimes were considered comparing traditional farmers' sowing window (dry sowing) and agronomic sowing window (planting based on the onset of the rainfall) at three different fertilizer levels [low (23 kg N ha-1), medium (40.5 kg N ha-1), and high (68.5 kg N ha-1) respectively]. The performance of the APSIM-millet module was found to be satisfactory as indicated by the low Root Means Square Error (RMSE) and Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) values. The range for grain yield was between 17.7% and 25.8%, while for AGB it was between 18.6% and 21.4%. The results showed that farmers' sowing window simulated slightly higher grain yield than the agronomic sowing window for improved local millet cultivar indicating yield increased by 8-12%. However, the projected changes in the mid-century (2040- 2069) resulted in a decline in yield against baseline climate for both varieties and sowing windows, indicating the negative impact of climate change (CC) on yield productivity. The comparison between dual-purpose millet and improved local millet indicates that disseminating the improved millet variety and implementing early sowing could be an effective adaptation strategy in reducing risks and losses caused by climate change. Similarly, low magnitude impacts simulated on grain yield (< -8% in Nigeria compared to > -8% in Senegal) even though both locations are in the same agroecological zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the evolution of the biofortification program in Nigeria over the last decade and the role of interdisciplinary research in informing cost-effective, efficient, and inclusive development; implementation; and scaling of this program. Launched in 2011 to improve Nigeria's food systems to deliver accessible and affordable nutrients through commonly consumed staples, the Nigeria biofortification program was implemented through an effective partnership between the CGIAR and public, private, and civil society sectors at federal, state, and local levels. By the end of 2021, several biofortified varieties of Nigeria's 2 main staples, namely cassava and maize, were officially released for production by smallholders, with several biofortified varieties of other key staples (including pearl millet, rice, and sorghum) either under testing or in the release pipeline. In 2021, the program was estimated to benefit 13 million Nigerians consuming biofortified cassava and maize varieties. The evidence on the nutritional impact, consumer and farmer acceptance, and cost-effective scalability of biofortified crops documented by the program resulted in the integration of biofortified crops in several key national public policies and social protection programs; private seed and food company products/investments, as well as in humanitarian aid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kunu is a millet-based, non-alcoholic, and non-carbonated energy beverage commonly consumed in the northern part of Nigeria. The nutrients composition, antioxidant properties, and sensory characteristics of instant kunu beverage made from pearl millet supplemented with African locus bean pulp (ALBP) were evaluated in this study. Instant kunu beverage was produced with 5–25% ALBP replacement for millet and freeze-dried. A control sample was produced from 100% millet. The chemical (proximate, vitamins, minerals) and phytochemical (total phenol, flavonoids, tannin, saponin, and phytates) contents and antioxidant activities, as well as the sensory properties of the beverage, were evaluated, using standard methods. The crude fiber (3.14–4.07%), total ash (1.77–3.40%), phosphorus (12.45–15.00 mg/100 g, potassium (12.00–12.55 mg/100 g), vitamin A (0.34–1.35%), and phytochemical contents (except phytate) increased significantly as the ALBP supplementation level increased in the beverage. The ranges of phenolic, flavonoid, saponin, tannin, and phytate were 0.71–0.90, 0.35–0.86, 0.02–0.34, 0.02–0.34, and 0.83–0.62 mg/g, respectively. The antioxidant activities of the beverage also increased as the ALBP level in the beverage increased. All the beverage samples were generally accepted by the panelists, with an overall acceptability of 5.17 to 6.73. Hence, the instant kunu beverage made from pearl millet supplemented with African locus bean pulp may serve as a dietary source of essential nutrients and antioxidants for human nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To our knowledge, there is no prior randomized trial on the efficacy of Mojeaga remedy (a special blend of Alchornea cordifolia, Pennisetum glaucum and Sorghum bicolor extracts) when co-administered with standard-of-care for correction of anemia in obstetrics practice. This study determined the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Mojeaga as adjunct to conventional oral iron therapy for correction of anemia in obstetric population. Methods: A pilot open-label randomized clinical trial. Participants with confirmed diagnosis of anemia in three tertiary hospitals in Nigeria were studied. Eligible participants were randomized 1:1 to either Mojeaga syrups 50 mls (200mg/50mls) administered three times daily in conjunction with conventional iron therapy (Mojeaga group) for 2 weeks or conventional iron therapy alone without Mojeaga (standard-of-care group) for 2 weeks. Repeat hematocrit level were done 2 weeks post-initial therapy. Primary outcome measures were changes in hematocrit level and median hematocrit level at two weeks post therapy. Maternal adverse events and neonatal outcomes (birth anomalies, low birthweight, preterm rupture of membranes and preterm labor) were considered the safety outcome measures. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. Results: Ninety five participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to the Mojeaga group (n = 48) or standard-of-care group (n = 47). The baseline socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants were similar. At two weeks follow-up the median rise in hematocrit values from baseline (10.00±7.00% vs 6.00±4.00%;p<0.001) and median hematocrit values (31.00±2.00% vs 27.00±3.00%;p<0.001) were significantly higher in the Mojeaga group. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events, congenital anomalies or deaths in the Mojeaga group and incidence of other neonatal outcomes were similar (p>0.05). Conclusion: Mojeaga represents a new adjuvants for standard-of-care option for patients with anemia. Mojeaga remedy is safe for treating anemia during pregnancy and puerperium without increasing the incidence of congenital anomalies, or adverse neonatal outcomes. Clinical trial registration: www.pactr.samrc.ac.za: PACTR201901852059636 (https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=5822). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study was carried out to assess the influence of some selected meteorological conditions on the growth of pearl millet in three local government areas of Jigawa State. The experiments were conducted over 2016 and 2017 planting seasons at the experimental farm of Federal University, Dutste 11° 42’ N, 9° 34’ E [FUD], Bilyaminu Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia 12° 48’ N, 10° 01’ E (BUPH) and College of Education, Gumel 12° 62’ 9° 38’ E (COEG]) Jigawa State The Experiment was laid on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated thrice, in each of the 3 locations, the total of 25*18m experimental area were splits into plots size of 5m2 with 1mtr distance between and within replicate to the study the influence of some selected meteorological conditions viz; rainfall, maximum and minimum air temperatures, relative air humidity and sunshine duration on the yield of pearl millet. Four (4) Pearl millet varieties viz; SOSAT C-88 (LCIC – MV1) and LCICMV4 Jirani (improved varieties), Zango (V3) and Matsangari (local varieties) obtained from Jigawa State Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (JARDA) and from the local farmers in the study area. Daily weather data on rainfall, maximum and minimum air temperature, relative air humidity as well as sunshine duration were obtained from the meteorological stations of the said locations. Data collected were subjected to multiple regression analysis using 5% significant level. The results revealed that meteorological condition rainfall, number of tillers, relative humidity, spike length and sunshine duration contributed 40%, 45% and 47% to the yield per hectare at Dutse. At Gumel it was revealed that maximum airtemperature contributes about 51% to the number of tillers, relative air humidity 58% to yield per plot and the sunshine duration contributes about 68% to the yield per hectare. However, the results obtained at Hadejiya shows that most of the contribution came from relative air humidity 51% and maximum air temperature 41 and 46% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies affect over one quarter of the world's population. Biofortification is an evidence-based nutrition strategy that addresses some of the most common and preventable global micronutrient gaps and can help improve the health of millions of people. Since 2013, HarvestPlus and a consortium of collaborators have made impressive progress in the enrichment of staple crops with essential micronutrients through conventional plant breeding. Objective: To review and highlight lessons learned from multiple large-scale delivery strategies used by HarvestPlus to scale up biofortification across different country and crop contexts. Results: India has strong public and private sector pearl millet breeding programs and a robust commercial seed sector. To scale-up pearl millet, HarvestPlus established partnerships with public and private seed companies, which facilitated the rapid commercialization of products and engagement of farmers in delivery activities. In Nigeria, HarvestPlus stimulated the initial acceptance and popularization of vitamin A cassava using a host of creative approaches, including "crowding in" delivery partners, innovative promotional programs, and development of intermediate raw material for industry and novel food products. In Uganda, orange sweet potato (OSP) is a traditional subsistence crop. Due to this, and the lack of formal seed systems and markets, HarvestPlus established a network of partnerships with community-based nongovernmental organizations and vine multipliers to popularize and scale-up delivery of OSP. Conclusions: Impact of biofortification ultimately depends on the development of sustainable markets for biofortified seeds and products. Results illustrate the need for context-specific, innovative solutions to promote widespread adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germplasm collection and sourcing for resistant genotypes among the available landraces through characterization and quantification of genetic diversity is essential for introgression in plant breeding programs. Therefore, study on molecular diversity of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) landraces was carried out to characterize the crop accessions for resistance to blast pathogen as well as identify elite accession(s) for the crop improvement. Thirty five (35) pearl millet germplasm were collected from the major cultivated states in Nigeria and were screened for blast resistant genotypes on the field using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Selected potentially resistant accessions for blast resistant were further confirmed under screen house condition and evaluated for genetic diversity using random amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR. Out of the 35 accessions screened for blast, 14 were potentially resistant to blast disease (with disease score of ≤ 3.9 on 1-9 scale). Further nursery screening of the potentially resistant accessions to blast showed that NS-YEL-02 was the most highly resistant followed by NG-ZB-01 with severity disease score of 0.00 and 0.33, respectively. Molecular diversity of selected 14 resistant and 2 susceptible accessions using random amplified polymorphic DNA showed no specific marker for resistant and susceptible accession to the disease. A total of fifty nine (59) amplified fragment bands with 10 DNA primers was generated, of which 53 (89.83%) were polymorphic and 6 (10.17%) were monomorphic. Genetic similarity among the accessions varied from 0.18 to 1.44 with an average gene diversity value of 0.74. Clustered dendrogram of the 16 accessions revealed two major cluster groups; two susceptible (KD-CK-01 and NGB501) accessions with similarity coefficient 1.14, and 14 resistant accessions. Clustering of the selected landraces base on resistance and susceptibility by RAPD techniques, indicate its possibility for indirect selection of blast resistant genotypes for the crop. The high resistance and clustering of NS-YEL-02 singly in a group by the makers indicate the uniqueness and its prospect for selection, as elite parent accessions in blast disease resistance breeding programs of pearl millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterisation of germplasm collection is imperative for identification and selection of new resistance sources in any crop breeding programmes. Thus, evaluation of pearl millet germplasm for resistance to stem borer infestation was carried out in view of the challenges of poor yield and quality reduction of pearl millet, elicited by its feeding activities. Thirty-five (35) pearl millet accessions were collected from different states where the crop is majorly cultivated in Nigeria. The accessions were characterised for resistance to stem borer infestation on the field. Further confirmation for selected potentially resistant accessions under artificial screen house conditions was done using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with ten replications each. The field estimated selection index showed that out of the 35 accessions screened, 15 accessions were potentially resistant; 13 resistants with range value of 0.00 to 0.40 and 2 moderately resistant. Further nursery screening confirmed 9 of the 15 accessions to be resistant under artificial infestation. NS-JIL-01 accession was most highly resistant with significant least leaf damage score of 0.25. Significant and positive correlation (r = 0.32) was obtained between days to anthesis and number of larvae per plant at p < 0.01. Negative correlation of percentage internodes damage with panicle diameter (-0.26) and panicle weight (-0.25 gn) at p < 0.01 as well as weight of 1000 seeds (r = -0.19, p < 0.05) were also significant. The identification of potentially resistant accessions on field and confirmation of some of the accessions under artificial screen house conditions indicated, gene for resistance to stem borer infestation in pearl millet could be obtained from the natural ecotype germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to examine the performance of pearl millet under different nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates in two locations in the semiarid zone of Nigeria. The objective was to evaluate the effects of different N rates on pearl millet yields, water- and nitrogen-use efficiency, and profitability. Grain yield increased by 23, 26, 32, 32, and 27% and by 38, 41, 54, 58, and 56% compared to unfertilized plots when applying 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 kg Nha−1 in Minjibir and Gambawa, respectively. Similarly, stalk yield increased by 4, 3, 9, 9, and 9% and by 16, 24, 36, 40, and 37% compared to unfertilized plot when applying 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 kg Nha−1 in Minjibir and Gambawa, respectively. The variations in GY that could be explained by TWU and NUE were 28% and 26% in Minjibir and 46% and 41%, respectively, in Gambawa. There was a strong and positive correlation (R = 0.81 and R = 0.95) between WUE and GY across N-fertilizer rates and pearl millet varieties in both locations. An increase in N-fertilizer levels increased WUE, confirming the optimal application of 60 kg Nha−1 in Minjibir and of 80 kg Nha−1 in Gambawa. Similarly, the highest net economic return (NER) of US$610 ha−1 was obtained at 60 kg Nha−1 in Minjibir and the highest NER of US$223 ha−1 was obtained at an application rate of 80 kg Nha−1 in Gambawa. Break-even yield was above 1000 kg ha−1, signifying that average farmer with a mean yield of less than 1000 kg ha−1 produces millet at a loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study revealed a high nutritional quality and possible therapeutic effect of the studied millet varieties which are locally sourced and relatively cheaper source of food for a teeming population like ours. The millet varieties were obtained from the central market in Katsina state, Nigeria. The millet varieties (finger millet, pearl millet and fonio millet) were cleaned by washing in water, de-watered, sun dried, milled into flour and stored in sealed polythene bags. Amino acid profile was determined spectrometically using a gas chromatography (GC), antioxidant property was measured by determination of free radical scavenging ability (DPPH,FRAP and ABTS) and data was analyzed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS (16.0) software. The result obtained from studied millet varieties showed the fatty acid profile contain more than 70% unsaturated fatty acid. Amino acid profile showed the presence of essential amino acid of nutritional importance (especially the sulphur containing amino acids). Phytochemical analyses showed the presence of plant chemical such as: tannin, terpenoid, alkaloid, cardiac glycoside, saponin, oxalate, phytate, flavonoids and total phenol. Antioxidant analyses showed they possess ability to serve as reducing agent hence a rich source of antioxidant of health importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) are basic staple foods for many rural or poorer communities. These crops are susceptible to plant diseases caused by multiple species of Fusarium , some of which also produce mycotoxins, including fumonisins and moniliformin that are detrimental to both humans and domesticated animals. Eighteen potentially toxigenic Fusarium strains were isolated from maize (n = 10), sorghum (n = 7) and pearl millet (n = 1) growing in the same field in Nigeria. The 17 strains from maize and sorghum were all F. proliferatum and the one strain from pearl millet was F. pseudonygamai. Under conducive conditions, the 17 F. proliferatum strains produced fumonisins, 11 in relatively large quantities (700–17,000 mg total fumonisins, i.e. , FB 1 + FB 2 + FB 3 /kg culture material), and six at <45 mg/kg. Ten F. proliferatum strains produced >100 mg of moniliformin per kg culture material with a maximum of 8900 mg/kg culture material. All strains could use all grains for growth and toxin production, regardless of the host from which they were isolated. Isolates varied in the amount of toxin produced on each substrate, with toxin production a property of the strain and not the host from which the strain was recovered. However, the extent to which a toxin-producing phenotype could be altered by the grain on which the fungus was grown is consistent with subtle genetic × environment interactions that require a larger data set than the one presented here to rigorously identify. In conclusion, there is significant variation in the ability of strains of F. proliferatum to produce fumonisins and moniliformin on maize, sorghum and millet. If the amount of toxin produced on the various grains in this study reflects real-world settings, e.g. , poor storage, then the consumers of these contaminated grains could be exposed to mycotoxin levels that greatly exceed the tolerable daily intakes. Highlights • Fusarium proliferatum was isolated from maize and sorghum in Nigeria. • Irrespective of source, strains produce the same toxins on maize, sorghum or millet. • About half of the strains recovered from maize produce little or no fumonisins. • All of the strains recovered from sorghum produce fumonisins in culture. • Some strains produced little or none of both toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In northern Nigeria, pearl millet is a traditional crop, both in terms of production and consumption. However, performance of pearl millet among smallholder farmers has either stagnated or progressed at a very slow pace, placing the average yield for this vital crop at 1-1.5 t/ha as against the potential yields of 2.5-4 t/ha. Low productivity reflects the possibility of inefficiency among farmers. Thus, evaluating differences in technical efficiencies (TEs) of pearl millet cultivating farmers and the sources of technical inefficiencies, the findings of this study are expected to be beneficial to policy makers and pearl millet farmers as well. Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) model, this study aims to investigate the extent of TE and its determinants of 256 randomly selected pearl millet farmers in Kano state, during 2013/2014 period of crop cultivation. Based on input-oriented and VRS, the empirical result indicated that the average value of TE was found to be 81%. This implies that pearl millet farmers operate at 81% level of TE which means total inputs could be saved by 19% without sacrificing any yield if all farmers were efficient as 62 benchmark farmers identified by DEA. The major slacks were in seed, followed by agrochemicals, labour and fertilizer use. The findings relating to return-to-scale in pearl millet farms in the study area showed that the predominant form of scale efficiency is increasing returns-to-scale (69.14%). The result of OLS regression analysis indicates that age of farmers, credit, education, experience; farm size, household size and type of seed planted have a significant and positive effect on the TE of pearl millet production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports levels of multiple mycotoxins across Nigeria's six agro-ecological zones and corresponding levels of natural anti-fungal phytochemicals present in pearl millet (PM). 220 representative composite samples of PM were collected for mycotoxin analysis using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS), and 24 were randomly selected for determination of metabolites using gas chromatography-high resolution time of flight-mass spectrometry (GC-HRTOF-MS). In total, 15 mycotoxins were detected, all with levels below the European Union (EU) permissible limits and level of aflatoxins only up to 1.34 µg/kg. This is in sharp contrast to high levels of mycotoxins reported in maize samples from the same agroecological zones. Phytochemical analysis of the same samples identified a total of 88 metabolites, 30 of which are known anti-fungal properties from other previously published studies. The most common of these include methyl ester, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and ç-tocopherol. The number of anti-fungal metabolites recovered from each sample ranged from 3 to 17 and varied widely in both number and composition across the agroecological zones. The anti-fungal metabolites may probably make PM less susceptible to fungal proliferation compared to other grains. Hence, it is worth exploring for possible sources of biological control products from PM., (© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Society for Mycotoxin (Research Gesellschaft für Mykotoxinforschung e.V.) and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Field trials in which seed dressing with Apron Star 42 WS (metalaxyl-M) was tested on five pearl millet cultivars were laid at Gashua (Sahel) and Maiduguri (Sudan Savanna) for three wet seasons (1998-2000). Using the split-plot design, seed dressing and cultivars were tested in main- and sub-plots, respectively. Results showed that at each location and season, there was significantly high seedling emergence and grain yield but lower downy mildew incidence as a result of seed dressing with metalaxyl-M compared with check. Among the cultivars tested, SOSAT C-88 had significantly lower downy mildew incidence and the highest grain yield during the three seasons. Dressed with metalaxyl-M, other cultivars had lower downy mildew and higher grain yield than undressed check. It is therefore important that pearl millet should be dressed with metalaxyl as routine practice before cultivation in the arid area of Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new metalaxyl formulation (Apron Star 42 WS) was evaluated for seed dressing of pearl millet at two locations, namely, Gashua (Sahel) and Maiduguri (Sudan Savanna) in Nigeria, 1998-2000. Data were obtained on seedling establishment, incidence of downy mildew, grain yield, cost of production and selling price of grain at the farm gates (farm sites). Results showed that seed dressing with Apron Star 42 WS significantly enhanced seedling establishment by 29.3, 47.1 and 37.1% in 1998, 1999 and 2000 respectively at Gashua; 20.2, 40.6 and 48.8% for the same years in Maiduguri; reduced the incidence of downy mildew by 72.2, 94.2 and 67.9% in 1998, 1999 and 2000 respectively at Gashua; 81.3, 81.4 and 88.0% for the same years in Maiduguri; and increased grain yield significantly above check. Further, there was higher monetary benefit from grain yield even at the minimum-selling price of the commodity at the farm gates by dressing planting seed each year. The percentage profits above check were 64.5-865.7% (Gashua) and 43.8-2487.7% (Maiduguri). It is concluded that the use of Apron Star 42 WS for seed dressing is cost-effective and sustainable for millet production in the downy mildew endemic areas of northern Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain yield loss assessment trials were conducted between 1997 and 1999 in Samaru, Nigeria, to assess losses in millet grain caused by the stemboring crambid moth, Coniesta ignefusalis Hampson in four millet-based cropping systems. Deadhearts were scored at 35 and 45 days after planting (DAP) and bored and unbored stems at 95 DAP (harvest). Grain yield loss 35 DAP in 1997 was 265.56 kg/ha of monocropped millet and this was significantly different from the 146.29 kg/ha if millet was intercropped with cowpea. At 45 DAP in 1998, the loss of monocropped millet was 50.48 kg/ha and it was significantly higher than the 13.44 and 10.00 kg/ha of millet intercropped with groundnut or cowpea, respectively. Losses were non-significant under all cropping systems at 45 DAP in 1997 and 35 DAP in 1998. Assessing for yield losses at harvest (95 DAP) in the 3 years was difficult because in some cases, bored stems out-yielded unbored ones. However, the mean grain yields of stems bored by the stemborer under millet monocrop in 1997 (3881.37kg/ha) and 1998 (4308.15kg/ha) were significantlky higher than those under millet intercrops in both years. Similarly, mean grain yields of unbored stems under millet monocrop were 4327.11 and 5128.78 kg/ha in 1998 and 1999, respectively, and these were also significantly different from those of unbored stems under all millet intercrops in both years. The mean grain yields of all unbored plants were non-significant in 1997. Using linear regression analysis, a significant and positive correlation was established between yield loss and larval population under millet monocrop in 1997 (r = 0.871). A similar relationship was observed between yield loss and percentage plant infestation (deadhearts) under all cropping systems in 1997 and under millet monocrop (r = 0.994) and millet-cowpea (r = 0.8487) intercrops in 1998. Percentage plant infestation rather than larval numbers was found to be the better indicator of yield loss in millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and fifty-two pearl millet genotypes from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and West African National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) were evaluated at Samaru, Nigeria, for resistance to downy mildew under field conditions during the 2000, 2001, and 2002 wet seasons. Disease incidence and severity were assessed 65 days after sowing. Disease severity scores were taken on a 1–5 scale. The results indicated that 70 genotypes showed resistance, 43 moderate resistance, 35 moderate susceptibility and 3 genotypes were susceptible. Resistant genotypes included 27 ICRISAT pearl millet lines and 43 NARS genotypes. Results herein indicate the availability of germplasms with resistance to downy mildew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The effect of seven intra row spacing (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 cm) on the incidence and severity of downy mildew of pearl millet and yield components of a local pearl millet variety (Zango) were studied under field conditions in 2002 and 2003 at Samaru, Nigeria. Intra row spacing did not have significant effect on the incidence and severity of the disease but significantly increased plant height, panicle length and weight, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]