Millet, production

Major production constraints include; fungal diseases, pests and labor production constraints especially in Africa.

The major fungal diseases mainly include downy mildew and ergot. Downy mildew (caused by Sclerospora graminicola) has been a major problem in India and Africa because of the existence of genetically single cross hybrids that made the crop susceptible to downy mildew epidemics.

The disease is transmitted through the soil, crop residue and contaminated equipment. The infected parts are covered by sporangia. The inflorescence and glumes become a mass of loosely twisted leaf-like organs.

Control of these fungal diseases can achieved through use of resistant varieties, pulling and burning infected plants. Pearl millet varieties with high resistance to both ergots and downy mildew have been selected at ICRISAT.

Mildew and other seed rots can also be controlled with appropriate fungicides (e.g. Apron 25W) applied as seed treatment during planting. However, in the African Sahel and other semi arid communities where subsistence agriculture is still being practiced, use of chemical control may not justify the cost of production.

The most important pests include birds, grasshoppers and armyworms and these are capable of causing economic damage. The most notorious bird species is Quelea and damage is serious in pearl millet than sorghum since the grains are more palatable and smaller in size.

Efficient bird scaring and use of awned varieties that prevent severe damage remain the cheapest control options available.

Insect problem is generally controlled using the appropriate insecticide such as Sevin Plus (for grasshoppers) and ambush super or DiPel (for armyworms).