Introduction

Proso millet, a versatile and resilient crop, has been cultivated for centuries across various regions of the world. Known for its adaptability to different climatic conditions and its rich nutritional profile, proso millet is a staple in many diets. However, like all crops, it is susceptible to a range of diseases that can significantly impact yield and quality. Effective disease management is crucial to ensure the health and productivity of proso millet crops. In this blog, we will explore the common diseases affecting proso millet, their symptoms, and the best practices for managing and preventing these diseases. By implementing these strategies, farmers can protect their crops, enhance productivity, and contribute to sustainable agriculture.

Seedling blight/leaf blight/leaf spot: Helminthosporium nodulosum

Symptom:

The pathogen affects both seedling and the adult plants

Minute, oval, light brown lesions on the young leaves and become dark brown

Several such lesions coalesce to form large patches of infection on the leaf blade.

The affected blades wither prematurely, and the seedlings may be killed.

Linear oblong and dark brown spots appear on the leaves of grown-up plants.

The leaves give blightening appearance.

Prominent brown to dark brown discoloration in the neck region and followed by weakening of neck tissue that causes it to break and the ears hanging down from the plant

While nursery infection causes heavy damage due to the seedling blight, neck infection causes heavy chaffiness and severe loss in grain yield.

It is seed-borne and primary infection is through seed

Secondary infection through air borne conidia and stubbles

Identification of pathogen:

The mycelium is intra and inter-cellular septate and light brown in colour

Conidia are erect or curved septate and dark brown. They are borne at the tip of conidiophores

Conidiophores are thick walled cylindrical or obcavate straight or curved and light green in color and 3-10 septate

The spores germinate either through the stomata or epidermal cells.

11 spores may be formed in one conidiophore

Management:

Chemical method

Treat the seeds with Captan or Thiram @4g/Kg

Spray Mancozeb @ 1.25Kg/ha

Spray 1% Bordeaux mixture or Copper oxy chloride or Dithane Z-78 (2g/lit. water)

Summary

Proso millet farmers, beware! A fungal foe lurks - Helminthosporium nodulosum. This villain causes seedling blight, leaf blight, and sheath blight, stealing your precious yield. Watch out for tiny brown lesions on young leaves, turning into large patches and wilting the plant. Grown-up plants show dark brown elongated spots, making the leaves look blighted. The fungus even attacks the neck, causing it to weaken and break, leaving the heads hanging uselessly. Don't despair! Fight back with a three-pronged approach: treat seeds with fungicides like Captan or Thiram, spray Mancozeb or other recommended fungicides on your crop, and practice good hygiene by removing plant debris after harvest. Remember, healthy seeds, crop rotation, and a clean field are your allies in this battle for a bountiful proso millet harvest.

FAQs:

How often should fungicide sprays be applied for effective control?

Is there a recommended time for applying fungicide sprays (e.g., before symptoms appear, at specific growth stages)?

Are there any biological control agents effective against Helminthosporium nodulosum?