Factors associated with ergot resistance in pearl millet

Host and host-pathogen interaction factors associated with resistance to ergot, caused by Claviceps fusiformis, were studied in resistant, intermediate and susceptible cultivars of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum]. Protogyny, time between full protogyny and anthesis initiation, and stigma length were shorter and seed set was higher in the resistant and intermediate cultivars than in the susceptible cultivars. Latent periods were comparable in the 3 groups of cultivars, but sporulation period, ergot severity, and numbers of conidia and sclerotia produced were lower in the resistant and intermediate than in the susceptible cultivars. The implications of these findings in ergot epidemiology and management are discussed. discussed