Systemic Remissive Property of Metalaxyl Against Downy Mildew in Pearl Millet

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Abstract
Foliar application of metalaxyl effectively suppressed systemic downy mildew (DM) (Sclerospora graminicola) symptoms, and healthy leaves and earheads were produced (recovery) on 2 susceptible pearl millet (P. americanum) cultivars, NHB-3 and 7042. A concentration of 31 ppm (a.i. [active ingredient]) was effective for recovery of greenhouse plants, whereas for field-grown plants (DM nursery), a higher concentration (> 63 ppm) was needed. Plant age at application did not affect recovery (7-35-day old plants recovered), but earhead length for recovered plants was decreased if applications were made after panicle initiation. Recovered plants, both in the greenhouse and in the field, subsequently developed diseased nodal tillers and/or green earheads. The 2 cultivars showed similar recovery responses to foliar application of metalaxyl in the DM nursery, but seed treatment (2 g a.i./g) was more effective on NHB-3 than on 7042.