Carpel infection and establishment of downy mildew mycelium in pearl millet seeds

The carpels of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) are infected by Sclerospora graminicola. Vegetative mycelium present in the diseased mother plant infects the carpel through the stalk of the spikelet. This process may or may not cause hypertrophy. Zoospores infect the carpel through the stimga and style, without inducing hypertrophy. Infection process leading to the establishment of downy mildew mycelium in the carpellary tissue and its implications are discussed. © 1981 Indian Academy of Sciences