Abstract
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 eco-type germplasm.
Highlights
IntroductionGahukar and Reddy (2019) reported that the crop is infested by over 150 insect pests during its growth and development; with stem borer, shoot flies, leaf-sucking and panicle-attacking insects been considered economically important
Except for damage free accessions, the highest dead heart of 86.67% was recorded in NG-ZC-03 and least was obtained in NGB606 with the value of 23.33%
The identification of fifteen (15) potential resistant pearl millet accessions to stem borer infestation on field and the confirmation of nine (9) of the accessions under artificial screen house conditions indicate that resistant genotypes could be sourced from the natural germplasm for the crop improvement
Summary
Gahukar and Reddy (2019) reported that the crop is infested by over 150 insect pests during its growth and development; with stem borer, shoot flies, leaf-sucking and panicle-attacking insects been considered economically important. Stem borers (Coniesta ignefusalis Hampson) has been reported to be a major pest of pearl millet in the Sahelian and sub-Saharan regions. The larvae (caterpillars) infest all the plant growth stages; burrow tunnel into the stems causing them to fall over (lodging), ‘dead hearts’ and poor grain development (Obeng et al, 2015). In Northern Nigeria, the pest has been reported to infest 75.5% of the total pearl millet farms in the region. Infestation by the insect results in total destruction of the growing points of crop, leading to premature plant death (Drame-Yaye et al, 2003). Keeping in mind of these challenges, sourcing for biotic resistance traits among the available landraces have been considered as one of the viable and foremost options (Pattanashetti et al, 2016; Prakash et al, 2016)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
