Yield Of Pearl Millet Research Articles

Effect of zinc biofortification on yield, nutrient uptake and economics of pearl millet

Effect of zinc biofortification on yield, nutrient uptake and economics of pearl millet

Enhanced Pearl Millet Yield Stability, Water Use Efficiency and Soil Microbial Activity Using Superabsorbent Polymers and Crop Residue Recycling Across Diverse Ecologies

Enhanced Pearl Millet Yield Stability, Water Use Efficiency and Soil Microbial Activity Using Superabsorbent Polymers and Crop Residue Recycling Across Diverse Ecologies

Seedball technology enhances pearl millet yield in a Sahelian subsistence production system

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) is the major staple crop produced by subsistence farmers in the West African Sahel, but its panicle yield is low because of poor seedling establishment in low-nutrient soils. Seedball is a cheap seed-pelleting technique that combines sand, loam, seeds and optionally wood ash or mineral fertiliser as an additive to enhance early growth of pearl millet under infertile soil conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of seedball technology on pearl millet crop establishment and panicle yield on-farm under Sahelian subsistence conditions. Over 2000 on-farm (2015–18) trials were conducted in 65 villages of the Maradi region in Niger. Conventionally sown and seedball-derived pearl millet crops were grown by using ‘farmer-optimised’ simple split-plot designs with three treatments: (i) farmers’ practice as control; and seedballs (2.0 cm diameter, made from 80 g sand + 50 g loam + 25 mL water + 2.5 g seeds as standard recipe) that contained either (ii) 3 g wood ash or (iii) 1 g mineral fertiliser (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium; NPK) as effective nutrient compounds. In 2016–18, participating farmers could opt for one of the seedball treatments. Panicle as well as stover yield data were collected and compared with respect to seedball type (wood ash vs NPK), sowing depth (shallow vs deep), sowing time (wet vs dry), weed management (complete vs partial), local soil type (texture range sand to loamy sand), cropping system (sole vs mixed), and farmer. Results showed that seedballs do not suppress seedling emergence. Seedball treatments produced fewer but longer and denser panicles. Wood ash-amended seedballs showed a higher panicle yield increase relative to their site controls than NPK-amended seedballs. However, the average panicle yield of NPK-amended seedballs was higher than that of the wood ash-amended seedballs. The treatment factors wet sowing, partial weeding, sole cropping and farmers showed higher panicle yield. The seedball technology increases pearl millet panicle yield by ∼30% in the Sahel; it is simple and based on local materials.

Influence of irrigation and hydrogel application on yield and economics of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under Eastern UP condition

An experiment was conducted at CRF (Crop Research Farm), Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U.P.) during Zaid crop season 2020. The soil of site was sandy loam in texture with neutral PH. The experiment was carried out in split plot design having nine treatment consisted of main plot Irrigation viz., I1 (2 Irrigation during Emergence and Early Tillering), I2 (3 Irrigation during Emergence, Early Tillering and Boot stage) and I3 (4 Irrigation during Emergence, Early Tillering, Boot stage and Grain filling) and sub plot, Hydrogel viz., H0 (0 kg/ha), H1 (2 kg/ha) and H2 (4 kg/ha) which are replicated thrice and effect was observed on Manipuri variety of Bajra. The result indicated that increase in irrigation interval and hydrogel significantly improved yield attributes and yield. At, harvesting, 4 irrigation recorded maximum of Grain yield (1.88 t/ha), Stover yield (4.31 t/ha) and Harvest index (30.24 %) hydrogel also resulted significantly higher Grain yield (1.98 t/ha), Stover yield (4.44 t/ha) and Harvest index (30.79 %) Maximum Gross return (69222.96/ha), Net return (45066.76/ha) and Benefit to Cost ratio (2.87) were recorded by application of 4 kg/ha hydrogel with 4 irrigation.

Effect of date of sowing and rainfall on sustainability of yield and rainwater use efficiency in cereal crops under arid alfisols

An assessment of the effects of date of sowing and crop seasonal rainfall on the sustainability of yield and rainwater use efficiency (RWUE) of sorghum, pearl millet and foxtail millet sown on five dates at 15 days interval from first fortnight of June to first fortnight of August during 2009 to 2014 under arid Alfisols at Anantapur has been made in this paper. A suitable date of sowing has been identified for each crop based on the relationships sorghum equivalent yield with crop seasonal rainfall and crop growing period observed in the 6-year study. The yield was significantly influenced by the variation in the crop seasonal rainfall and crop growing period when sown on different dates of sowing. It was significantly higher when crops were sown with the onset of monsoon in the first fortnight of June, and decreased with the subsequent sowings. Among crops, sorghum attained maximum mean yield of 923 kg ha-1 with RWUE of 2.73 kg ha-1 mm-1; while pearl millet attained mean yield of 873 kg ha-1 with RWUE of 2.95 kg ha-1 mm-1 and foxtail millet attained mean yield of 646 kg ha-1 with RWUE of 1.64 kg ha-1 mm-1 when sown during first fortnight of June. Based on the ranks assigned to the yield attained on different dates of sowing in different years, pearl millet was superior for sustaining maximum yield and RWUE comparedto sorghum and foxtail millet under arid Alfisols at Anantapur.

Effect of Different Nutrient Management Practices on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Transplanted Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

The Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fertility management on growth, yield attributes and yield of pearlmillet in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments and four replications during summer, 2019 at Anand, Gujarat. The experiment comprises of different nutrient management practices including 100% and 75% RDF with 15 t and 10 t FYM along with Bio NP consortia. A significant higher growth and yield parameters enhancement with the application of 100% RDF + 15 t FYM ha-1 + Bio NP Consortia was recorded in plant height, number of tillers, length of ear head, protein content and biological yield. The treatment T5 produced maximum (91.5 q ha-1) biological yield and statistically it was on par with T9 and T5. However, the lowest biomass production (73.0 q ha-1) was reported in treatment T1. Results of different nutrient management practices on days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, ear head girth and test weight were found non-significant. Protein content of pearlmillet was increased from 7.5% to 9.06% under different nutrient management practices.

Effect of pearl millet based intercropping systems on yield and economics of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.

The field experiment was carried out during kharif season of 2019 at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to study the effect of different intercropping systems of pearl millet with legumes and oilseed on yield and economics of pearl millet. The eleven treatments were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. The performance of sole pearl millet hybrid HHB 299 at 45 cm row spacing proved the best in terms of grain (48.83 q ha-1) and stover (100.11 q ha-1) yield and yield attributing traits. It was comparable to sole pearl millet in paired row and pearl millet + green gram (2:1). Among intercropping systems, maximum values of yield attributes of pearl millet were obtained in pearl millet + green gram (2:2) and maximum pearl millet yield (44.68 q ha-1) was in pearl millet + green gram (2:1). Pearl millet equivalent yield (PEY) and net returns of pearl millet-green gram in 2:1 row ratio was found superior than all the sole and intercropping treatments. The highest benefit-cost ratio was recorded under sole pearl millet crop (2.84) followed by intercropping of pearl millet with green gram in 2:1 row ratio (2.77).

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Yield, Microbial Load and Soil Nutrient Status of Pearl Millet

Soil microbial population and soil nutrient status are important criteria for improving the yields. So this study is conducted with an objective to know the impact of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen on yield, soil microbial load and nutrient status of the soil in pearl millet. A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2019 at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla on sandy soils with eight treatments consisting combined organic and inorganic nitrogen sources. The highest grain yield (2955 kg ha-1), straw (5867 kg ha-1) yield and soil nitrogen status (164.10 kg ha -1) were recorded with 75% Soil Test Based Nitrogen (STBN) + 25% vermicompost + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1 and was followed by statistically similar treatment 100% STBN + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1. Significantly higher microbial load (Bacteria, Fungi and Actinomycetes), P and K status in soil recorded with the treatments where 50% of STBN applied through FYM (50% STBN + 50% FYM + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1), whereas lowest was recorded with chemical fertilizer alone. The combined sources of nitrogen both organic and inorganic fertilizers would be able to improve soil fertility and soil microbial load and finally improve the yields.

Drought Monitoring over West Africa Based on an Ecohydrological Simulation (2003–2018)

In Africa, droughts are causing significant damage to human health and the economy. In West Africa, a severe decline in food production due to agricultural droughts has been reported in recent years. In this study, we simulated ecohydrological variables using the Coupled Land and Vegetation Data Assimilation System, which can effectively evaluate the hydrological water cycle and provide a dynamic evaluation of terrestrial biomass. Using ecohydrological variables (e.g., soil moisture content, leaf area index and vegetation water content) as a drought indicator, we analyzed agricultural droughts in the Sahel-inland region of West Africa during 2003–2018. Results revealed reasonable agreement between the simulated values and the pearl millet yield, and produced a successful quantification of severe droughts in the Sahel-inland region.

Effect of stress ameliorants on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) growth and productivity under different moisture regimes

A field experiment was conducted in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University located in Coimbatore during summer 2021. The objectives of the study were to identify the effect of moisture stress at critical stages on growth and yield of pearl millet and to assess the effect of stress ameliorants on growth and productivity enhancement in pearl millet. The experiment was laid out in split plot design and replicated thrice with skipping irrigation at critical growth stages (M-Main plot factor) and foliar spray of stress ameliorants (S-Subplot factor). The main plot factor comprised of skipping irrigations at active tillering stage (M1), flowering stage (M2) and in both active tillering stage and flowering stages (M3) and adequate irrigation at all stages (M4). The subplot factor consisted of foliar spray of stress ameliorants viz., 1% Potassium chloride (KCl) on 20 and 40 days after sowing (S1), 100 ppm salicylic acid on 20 and 40 days after sowing (S2), 2% Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotrophs (PPFM) on 20 and 40 days after sowing (S3), 1% Potassium chloride (KCl) on 20 days after sowing and 100 ppm salicylic acid on 40 days after sowing (S4), 1% Potassium chloride (KCl) on 20 days after sowing and 2% Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotrophs (PPFM) on 40 days after sowing (S5) and water spray (S6) as control. The results showed that skipping irrigation at active tillering stage and flowering stage had severe effect on growth, phenology and productivity followed by skipping irrigation at flowering stage. Among stress ameliorants used, the foliar spray of 1% Potassium chloride (KCl) on 20 days after sowing and 2% Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotrophs (PPFM) on 40 days after sowing recorded higher growth and yield followed by 2% Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotrophs (PPFM) spray on 20 and 40 days after sowing. Lower grain yield was obtained under water spray.

The impact of sowing time and plant spacing on growth and productivity of pearl millet under semi-arid environment growth and productivity of pearl millet under semi-arid environment

Optimum sowing time and plant density in terms of plant spacing are the most important management options to get higher yield of any crop. To optimize planting time and plant spacing for better growth and yield of pearl millet, a field study was conducted to study the impact of sowing time and plant spacing on growth and productivity of pearl millet under semi-arid environment. The study comprised of two sowing dates, i.e. June-20- 2015 and July-06-2015 with three planting densities (10 cm spacing, 15 cm spacing and 20 cm plant to plant spacing). Randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements was used by keeping sowing dates in main plots and planting densities in subplots. The millet hybrid 86M86 was sown with help of single row hand drill and row to row distance was 45 cm. All agronomic practices were kept normal and uniform for all treatments under study. It was observed that grain weight per panicle, panicle length, panicle girth, 1000-grain weight (g), grain yield (t ha-1) and biological yield (t ha-1) increased in sowing time 20-June-2015 with 15 cm plant to plant distance. The maximum value of these parameters was observed in sowing time 20-June-2015 with 15 cm plant spacing.

Effects of Cultivation Management on Pearl Millet Yield and Growth Differed with Rainfall Conditions in a Seasonal Wetland of Sub-Saharan Africa

The production of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) is important in Namibia, in sub-Saharan Africa, owing to the prevailing low precipitation conditions. Most fields supporting crop production in northern Namibia are located in a network of seasonal wetlands. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ridging and fertilizer application on the yield and the growth of pearl millet in the seasonal wetlands under different rainfall conditions. The study was conducted for two years (2017–2018) in the experimental fields in northern Namibia, and yield, yield components, and growth parameters were evaluated in relation to the application of different fertilizers (manure and mineral) with and without ridge-furrows. Manure fertilizer application presented the highest yield in 2018, whereas mineral fertilizer application showed the highest yield in 2017. The proportion of rainfall was the highest during the mid-growth period in 2017, and the reproductive stage in 2018. Thus, pearl millet plants under manure fertilization overcame damage resulting from waterlogging stress during the seed setting stage by improving the soil and plant nutrient conditions. In contrast, the plants under mineral fertilization were more tolerant to large amounts of rain during the mid-growth period. In this study, yield was mainly determined by total dry weight, and it was closely related to panicle density in both years. Therefore, we concluded that fertilizer application, including additional fertilizer based on the growth diagnostic, could be important for improving crop production in seasonal wetlands.

Constraints to Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) Production and Farmers’ Approaches to Striga hermonthica Management in Burkina Faso

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a staple food crop in Burkina Faso that is widely grown in the Sahelian and Sudano-Sahelian zones, characterised by poor soil conditions and erratic rainfall, and high temperatures. The objective of this study was to document farmers’ perceptions of the prevailing constraints affecting pearl millet production and related approaches to manage the parasitic weeds S. hermonthica. The study was conducted in the Sahel, Sudano-Sahelian zones in the North, North Central, West Central, Central Plateau, and South Central of Burkina Faso. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and focus group discussions involving 492 participant farmers. Recurrent drought, S. hermonthica infestation, shortage of labour, lack of fertilisers, lack of cash, and the use of low-yielding varieties were the main challenges hindering pearl millet production in the study areas. The majority of the respondents (40%) ranked S. hermonthica infestation as the primary constraint affecting pearl millet production. Respondent farmers reported yield losses of up to 80% due to S. hermonthica infestation. 61.4% of the respondents in the study areas had achieved a mean pearl millet yields of <1 t/ha. Poor access and the high cost of introduced seed, and a lack of farmers preferred traits in the existing introduced pearl millet varieties were the main reasons for their low adoption, as reported by 32% of respondents. S. hermonthica management options in pearl millet production fields included moisture conservation using terraces, manual hoeing, hand weeding, use of microplots locally referred to as ‘zaï’, crop rotation and mulching. These management techniques were ineffective because they do not suppress the below ground S. hermonthica seed, and they are difficult to implement. Integrated management practices employing breeding for S. hermonthica resistant varieties with the aforementioned control measures could offer a sustainable solution for S. hermonthica management and improved pearl millet productivity in Burkina Faso.

Superiority of modified graphene oxide for enhancing the growth, yield, and antioxidant potential of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under salt stress

Soil salinity is a serious global problem that affects the vegetative growth and photosynthesis rates of plants. Additionally, a high salinity facilitates the accumulation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induces an increase in the malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and proline contents, and a decrease in the antioxidant activity of enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, reducing the fodder yield. Owing to limited availability of forage crops, extensive efforts have been devoted to studying the pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) plant, which is employed as a protein-rich fodder crop in its green and dry forms. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to explore the effect of graphene oxide, methionine, lysine, methionine@graphene oxide, and lysine@graphene oxide on the growth, biomass accumulation, photosynthetic pigment content, total protein content, oxidative stress, and antioxidant response of the pearl millet plant. Modified graphene oxide (20 mg L−1) was applied two times to the fresh leaves of pearl millet after 30 and 60 days of cultivation. The salt concentrations in the soil and water in the area under consideration were 3.16 d.Sm−1 and 10.29 d.Sm−1, respectively. The treatments induced a significant improvement in plant growth, biomass accumulation, total protein content, photosynthetic pigment content, and yield. Similarly, the generation of ROS was reduced in the plant cells/tissues compared to the case in the plants grown under saline conditions. The foliar application of both graphene oxide and its modified structures enhanced the salinity stress tolerance of pearl millet by modulating its morphological and biophysical traits. This study offers new possibilities for the application of modified materials in agriculture and provides a valuable basis for improving plant tolerance and adaptability to salinity stress.

Seedball technology enhances pearl millet yield in a Sahelian subsistence production system

Seedball technology enhances pearl millet yield in a Sahelian subsistence production system

Response of Phosphorus on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet, Microbial Population and System Productivity in Pearl Millet Based Cropping Systems

The present study evaluated the use of various phosphorus management practices with and without PSB on pearl millet and its residual effect on succeeding pulse crops like green gram, blackgram and chickpea. It was conducted at agricultural college farm, Bapatla during both kharif and rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19. The treatments consisted of T1: No Phosphorus, T2: 50% RDP T3: 75% RDP, T4: 100% RDP, T5: 50% RDP + seed inoculation with PSB, T6 :75% RDP + seed inoculation with PSB, T7 : 100% RDP + seed inoculation with PSB in RBD design with three replications in kharif pearl millet crop. The results indicated that, the treatment T7 (100% RDP + seed inoculation with PSB) recorded significantly the highest growth parameters like LAI, CGR, RGR and NAR at different phenological stages of crop growth period and yield of pearl millet (2996 kg ha-1 and 2876 kg ha-1 during 2017 and 2018 respectively) and it was at par with T4 (100% RDP). Similarly, the total fungi, bacteria and rhizobium counts were increased with increase in fertilizer level and PSB treated plots (T7, T6 and T5) when compared to un-inoculated PSB plots (T4, T3 and T2). The highest number of bacteria (46.2 and 49.2 cfu per gram soil), fungi (25.4 and 24.4 cfu per gram soil) and rhizobium (33.5 and 34.4cfu per gram soil) was found in the treatment T7 (100% RDP+ seed inoculation with PSB) during 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively. Among the different kharif residual treatments, the highest pearl millet equivalent yield of rabi crops was recorded with residual effect of 100 % RDP + PSB (M7).

Effect of sulphur and zinc management on yield, quality and nutrient uptake in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) – lentil (Lens culinaris) crop sequence

A field experiment was conducted at Panwari village of Agra district during Kharif and rabi season of 2015-16 and 2016-17 to study the effect of sulphur and zinc management on yield, nutrient uptake and residual soil fertility under pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) – lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) crop sequence. Four levels each of sulphur and zinc were evaluated under randomized block design with three replications. Both the nutrients were applied to pearl millet and their direct and residual response was ascertained to pearl millet and lentil in sequence. Pooled results indicated that grain and stover yield of pearl millet improved significantly with increasing levels of S up to 20 kg S ha-1 over control. An increase of 17.0 and 16.5 % in grain and stover yield was recorded with 20 kg S ha-1 over control. Similarly, grain and stover yield of pearl millet increased significantly with Zn and maximum grain (3.46 t ha-1 ) and stover (8.19 t ha-1 ) yields were recorded with 4 kg Zn ha-1 . The content and yield of protein in both the crops increased significantly with the addition of S and Zn over control. The residual effect of S in lentil was significant at 40 kg S ha-1 and grain and straw yield increments were to the extent of 18.6 and 15.8 per cent, respectively. The residual effect of 6 kg Zn ha-1 on succeeding lentil crop produced 16.7 and 14.0 % higher grain and straw yield over control, respectively. Application of S and Zn showed significantly beneficial effect on S and Zn uptake by pearl millet and succeeding lentil crop over control. Nitrogen and P uptake by both the crops also improved significantly with these elements over control

Effect of growth substances on morpho-physiological traits and yield in pearl millet under rainfed condition

Field experiment was carried out to find out the effect of foliar spray of plant growth retardant substances on different growth parameter of pearl millet under rainfed condition during kharif 2015-17. The results revealed that foliar application of growth regulating substances had significant impact on number of effective tillers, plant height and chlorophyll content. Plant height and chlorophyll content at 70 days after sowing were significantly affected with application of growth regulating substances in all individual years as well as in pool analysis. Results indicated that foliar application of potassium chloride 1.50 per cent at 30-35 days after sowing (tillering stage) and 50-55 days after sowing (post-anthesis stage) for proper vegetative growth and to get higher seed yield and net return. The results also indicated that net return (Rs. 27245 /ha) was maximum with foliar application of potassium chloride 1.50% at tillering and post-anthesis stage along with B:C ratio 1.16.

Physiological attributes, productivity, micronutrient and heavy metal content in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) as influenced by treated sewage and canal irrigation water under different nutrient sources

Field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of treated sewage water on physiological attributes, productivity, micronutrient and heavy metal content in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under different nutrient sources during 2018 and 2019. The experiment consisted of 16 treatment combinations with two irrigation sources [canal and treated sewage water], two levels of farm yard manure [2.5 and 5 t ha−1] that assisted in main plots and four fertility levels [control, 50, 75 and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF, 156.25 kg N and 62.5 kg P2O5 ha−1)] that assisted in subplots in split-plot design using three replications. The results revealed that the irrigation sources did not influence significantly growth parameters, protein percent, fat acidity, canopy temperature and grain yield. However, canal and treated sewage water differ significantly in respect of photosynthesis and chlorophyll content. Further, data showed that different fertility levels differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Higher leaf water potential, canopy temperature, photosynthesis and chlorophyll content were recorded with the application of 100% RDF over control, 50 and 75% RDF. The concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni and Co) decreased with increasing levels of FYM application from 2.5 to 5 tha−1 in plant, while in soils these were increased with increasing levels of FYM application. The interaction effect showed significant effect on pooled grain yield of pearl millet. Application of 100% RDF along with FYM @ 5.0 t/ha produced higher yield over 75% RDF + FYM @ 5.0 tha−1 and 50% RDF + FYM @ 5.0 tha−1 irrespective of irrigation sources. This clearly showed that higher application of FYM reduces the heavy metal accumulation in pearl millet irrigated with treated sewage water.

Evaluation of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L. (R. Br.)) landraces for resistance to stem borer (Coniesta ignefusalis Hampson.) infestation

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.