Resistance to blast (Magnaporthe grisea) in a mini-core collection of finger millet germplasm

摘要: Blast caused by Pyricularia grisea [teleomorph: Magnaporthe grisea] is an economically important and widespread disease of finger millet in the world. Host resistance most economical effective means combating this as predominantly grown resource-poor marginal farmers. At International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), we evaluated a mini-core collection 80 germplasm accessions (about 1 % total representing major trait variability) blast both field greenhouse. Field evaluation was done using refined screening technique that included new improved rating scales leaf, neck infection. Sixty six showed combined to two seasons (2009 2010) screening. A highly significant positive correlation found between ratings (r = 0.92), whereas small but correlations were leaf 0.25) 0.30). These also screened greenhouse artificial inoculation seedlings confirm observations. Fifty-eight resistant screen well. represented one wild (africana) four cultivated races (vulgaris, plana, elongate compacta) originated from 13 countries Asia Africa exhibited considerable diversity agronomic traits, such maturity period, plant height panicle type. would be useful breeding programs.