Use of Antagonists to Control the Oospore Infection in Pearl Millet Downy Mildew

Abstract

Four fungi viz., Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum and one bacterium Bacillus subtilis were evaluated for their efficacy in reducing downy mildew incidence in pearl millet due to oospore infection under green house conditions. All the antagonists applied to the soil along with wheat bran decreased the downy mildew incidence and increased the plant stand and growth of pearl millet seedlings. The possibility of using these antagonists to reduce the downy mildew disease due to oospore inoculum has been discussed.