INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT INNOVATION LAB

IPM Innovation Lab Pearl millet package

earl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) (Poales: Poaceae) is a crop native WHAT IS IPM? to Africa. Pearl millet is usually grown without irrigation or fertilizers. This crop is grown in well-drained soils and is well-adapted to poor, P Integrated pest management dry, and infertile soils; therefore, it is critically important for food security in (IPM), an environmentally-sound some of the world’s hottest, driest cultivated areas where soils are tough and economical approach to pest and rainfall is low. With climate change affecting weather and rainfall control, was developed in response patterns, it is becoming an increasingly important crop. Pearl millet is the to pesticide misuse in the 1960s. most widely cultivated millet and India and Africa are its largest producers. Pesticide misuse has led to pesticide It is mostly grown in the drier areas of India and Sahelian Africa. Other resistance among prevailing pests, a countries where pearl millet is grown include the United States and Puerto resurgence of non-target pests, loss Rico. The short-cycle cultivars (85–95 days to maturity) are the most widely of biodiversity, and environmental

cultivated compared to long-cycle (120–130 days maturity) cultivars and can and human health hazards. Integrated Pest Management Innovation Lab (IPM IL) be grown under irrigation in rotation with higher-value crops. Pearl millet can tolerate higher temperatures but does not tolerate long consecutive drought periods. Pearl millet is used in making porridge and millet flour WHAT ARE is used to make flatbread. Millets have about 73% carbohydrates, 11% IPM PACKAGES? protein, 9% water, and 4% fat. In addition to being an important food source, pearl millet has several medicinal applications (it is gluten-free, can The IPM Innovation Lab has developed and tested robust IPM reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and can address iron and zinc packages, holistic suites of IPM deficiency). The stems can be used for building construction and as roof IPM PACKAGES CROP HEALTH FOR recommendations and practices thatch. In India and Africa, millet is also used as fodder. Pearl millet can for the production of vegetables be used as a cover crop to suppress soil-borne diseases and to increase and other crops. Farmers who use soil organic matter. Major abiotic stresses include long periods of drought, IPM packages in planting, pro- cold weather, and increased nitrate levels. Younger pearl millet plants duction, and throughout the supply encompass greater levels of nitrate, which could be harmful to cattle. Major chain see enhanced profitability pests include several species of stem borers, shoot (Atherigona in their crops. The recommended approximata Malloch), pearl millet head-miner (Heliocheilus albipunctella practices in IPM packages cover de Joannis), and grain midge (Geromyia penniseti Felt). Major diseases economically significant pest spe- include cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora penniseti Chupp), rust (Puccinia cies over a wide range of cropping substriata Thüm), pearl millet downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola Sacc. systems across the tropical world, Schroret), ergot (Claviceps fusiformis Loveless), and smut (Tolyposporium resulting in benefits to human penicillariae Bref.). health and the environment.

This brochure was created and distributed by the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Integrated Pest Management (IPM IL). It was made possible through the United States Agency for International Development and the generous support of the American people through USAID Cooperative Agreement No. AID-OAA-L-15-00001

1 diseases identification, descriptions, and images Parthasarathy Seethapathy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Dr Parthasarathy Seethapathy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, University, Bugwood.org Bugwood.org

Photos (From left): • Downy mildew • Rust • Ergot USDA, Tifton, GA DISEASES Pearl Millet Downy Milliano (Hypocreales: disease include the devel- Mildew [Sclerospora Clavicipitaceae)] opment of sori on the ears. Foliar and stem diseases graminicola (Sacc.) These sori appear as sacs and Cercospora leaf spot Schröt., (Peronosporales: Ergot is a fungal disease of are initially green and later [Cercospora penniseti Peronosporaceae)] inflorescences and symptoms on turn dark brown or black. Chupp (Capnodiales: include the appearance of These sacs are filled with black Mycosphaerellaceae)] Mildew is a fungal disease viscous creamy-pink exuda- spores of smut. The mature of foliage. The symptoms tions on the flowering heads. spores are released from the sori when the crop is threshed This fungal disease causes include chlorosis at the base Later, it forms a hard-brown and then get mixed with seeds small, dark lesions with grey of a leaf that then extend spiky structure called sclerotia. of non-infected florets, and are centers on leaves. Lesions can towards the tips of the leaves. These sclerotia contain the source of infection for the also be present on stems, and White powdery development alkaloids that are toxic for subsequent crop. Resistant in rainy weather, spores also also occurs on the leaves. humans. Ergot also reduces cultivars are available. become visible. High tempera- Inflorescences of infected grain yields. Initial infection is tures coinciding with periods tillers have the characteristic from spores produced from of high humidity increases green-ear symptoms where the sclerotia in the soil or crop this disease incidence. To grain is replaced by whip-like debris. Secondary infection manage this disease, resistant vegetative structures. When is from the spores produced varieties, weed management, infected at the early stage, in the honeydew. Once the crop rotation, sanitation are plants may die. This stigmas have been pollinated practiced. infects the growing point of they rapidly wither and are each tiller when the leaf and no longer available as the panicle tissues are being infection route for the ergot Rust [Puccinia substriata formed. Primary infection fungus. Heavy rain at flowering (Pucciniales: Pucciniaceae)] is from oospores that live time washes down pollen, in the soil and secondary extending the period at which This is a foliar fungal disease infection happens by the the stigmas are available for and symptoms include small sporangia on the undersides infection as well as providing yellow or white raised spots on of infected leaves. To manage ideal conditions for germination upper and lower leaf surfaces. the problem, proper disposal and sporulation of the ergot More spots occur on the lower of infected plants should be fungus. Host plant resis- side of the leaves and at later done and removal of diseased tance, pollen management, stages spots become bigger plants or tillers at the first sign avoidance, and sanitation are and red-brown surrounded of disease could minimize the best way to manage this by a yellow halo. Rust spores secondary spread. Resistant problem. survive in crop residue in varieties are available for soil and spread through the managing this disease. Smut [Tolyposporium wind. To manage the disease, penicillariae Brefeld disease-resistant varieties are Ear diseases (Ustilaginales: available. Overhead irrigation Ergot [Claviceps Cintractiaceae)] increases incidence of this fusiformis Loveless, disease. Claviceps africana Symptoms of this inflorescence Frederickson, Mantle and 2 insect pests

Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org Malick Ba, ICRISAT

Photos (From left): • Pink stem borer • Green bug • Lema planifrons damage Phil Sloderbeck, Kansas State University, Bugwood.org

INSECTS ignefusalis Hampson. It Berliner, Metarhizium aniso- Krauss (Orthoptera: affects mostly late-planted or pliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin, Acrididae)] Foliage and stem pests late maturing material. The and Beauveria bassiana first-generation larvae cause (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. Both species cause major Stem borers dead heart and stand loss, yield loss in pearl millet by Pearl millet stem-borer while the second and third Shoot fly [Atherigona feeding on the foliage and [ ignefusalis cause lodging, disruption approximata Malloch stem. By chewing they cause Hampson (: of the vascular system and (Diptera: )] mechanical damage to the )] inhibition of grain formation. plant and the entire plant dies. This is a major seedling Spotted stem borer [Chilo Yield losses range from 15% Entomopathogenic fungus pest, especially in the Indian partellus, Swinhoe, Chilo to total crop failure due to Metarhizium anisopliae and subcontinent. In India, it sacchariphagus Bojer C. ignefusalis. Stem borers Beauveria bassiana can causes 50% grain loss and (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)] become problematic in spring manage grasshoppers. 60% dry fodder yield loss Pink stem borer [Sesamia and summer plantings when during cold weather. It attacks inferens Walker, Sesamia temperatures and insect Green bug [Schizaphis seedlings and boot leaf stage calamistis Hampson reproduction rates are high. graminum Rondani of pearl millet and damages (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] Stem borer complex could (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] the earhead. It causes dead White stem borer [Saluria cause yield loss to pearl millet hearts in young plants and Aphids are polyphagous inficita Walker (Lepidoptera: crop. Use of pheromone bait chaffy grains in mature crop. that suck sap, colonize Pyralidae)] traps to monitor adult stem Increasing seed rate and in large numbers and secrete borers is recommended. The stem borer complex removing shoot fly damaged honeydew. Honeydew induces Control measures should be causes major damage to pearl seedlings at time of thinning is sooty mold on plants, hindering taken as soon as stem borers millet in all growing areas. helpful in managing this pest. photosynthetic capacity. They are detected. Management Some species are prominent in Not much is known in terms of produce several generations strategies include use of Africa and some in the Indian biological management. in a season. Both nymphs and resistant varieties and neem subcontinent. These borers adults suck sap from young products early in the season attack plants from 4-weeks-old Leaf beetles leaves and whorls and cause before the larvae bore into through grain maturity. In [Lema planifrons yellowing, distortion of leaves, the stem of the plant. Use of general, after egg hatching, Weise (Coleoptera: wilting, and death of plants. natural enemies Trichogramma early instar larvae enter the Chrysomelidae)] Damaged plants produce spp, (Trichogrammatidae) leaf whorl and feed on soft shriveled chaffy grain. and Telenomus spp. They feed on leaves of tissues. Due to this feeding (Platygastridae) (egg seedlings by scrapping their damage, leaves show pinhole parasitoids), Habrobracon chlorophyll portions, resulting damage after they unfold. (Bracon) hebetor Say in light colored spots, bleached Afterward, larvae move out of (Braconidae) (larval parasitoid) appearance of leaves. the whorl, bore upward in the can manage stem borers. Infestations are sporadic and developing stalk, feed on the Tetrastichus atriclavus associated with prolonged meristem, and the leaf whorl Waterston (Eulophidae) (larval period of drought. dries up, causing ‘dead heart.’ parasitoids) are effective in Later instar larvae bore into managing populations of C. Grasshoppers [Kraussaria stems, forming frass-filled ignefusalis. Also, use of biope- angulifera Krauss, tunnels. The most prominent sticides, Bacillus thuringiensis Oedaleus senegalensis stem borer in Africa is Coniesta 3 insect pests and other threats

IPM Innovation Lab

Photos (From left): • Pearl millet head- miner • Decapotoma affinis Malick Ba, ICRISAT

Earhead pests grain and form white pupal Soil inhabiting Downy mildew Pearl millet head-miner cases attached to tips of White grub [Holotrichia (Plasmopara penniseti [Heliocheilus albipunctella spikelets. Due to feeding, consanguinea Kenneth & Kranz Joannis (Lepidoptera: glumes become empty. Early Blanchard (Coleoptera: (: Noctuidae)] attack results in complete Scarabaeidae)] ) withering of ovary while late This pest causes damage to attack may cause lesions on White grub is a pest of pearl leaf spot earheads of pearl millet in formed seeds. Plants have millet in India. Larvae feed on (Drechslera dematioidea the Sahelian region of Africa. a blasted appearance. The roots, causing seedlings to (Bubák & Wróbl.) Subram. Larvae feed on panicle and life cycle is completed in 2 wither and die, and patches & Jain) (Pleosporales: prevent grain formation. Young weeks and 4 or 5 generations of dead seedlings in the field Pleosporaceae) larvae perforate glumes and may occur in a single season, become visible. Pesticide with successive generations eat away flowers. Later larval applications are recommended Exserohilum leaf blight instars cause characteristic overlapping. Parasitoids in areas with high pressure (Exserohilum rostratum= damage in form of spiral mines Tetrastichus sp. (Hymenoptera: and during outbreaks. Setosphaeria rostrate by cutting floral peduncles. Eulophidae), and H. hebetor, Leonard) (Pleosporales: and predatory bug Orius sp. Depending on climate, soil Other threats Pleosporaceae) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) are type, crop cultivar, plant Millet beetle (Pachnoda effective in managing this pest. density, plant growth stage, interrupta Olivier) False mildew (Beniowskia dispersal, and abundance (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) sphaeroidea) (Kalchbr. & of natural enemies, pest Blister beetles Cooke) Mason (Incertae level varies. Late planting or Cotton-stainer (Dysdercus sedis) maturing varieties to avoid [Psalydolytta fusca Olivier, volkeri) (Hemiptera: flight period coinciding Psalydolytta vestita Pyrrhocoridae) Myrothecium leaf spot with vulnerable stages of Dufour, Decapotoma (Myrothecium roridum head development, light traps, affinisOlivier (Coleoptera, Fall Armyworm Tode) (Hypocreales: resistant and tolerant varieties, Meloidae)]; and chaffer (Spodoptera frugiperda Stachybotryaceae) and the egg parasitoid beetles [Rhyniptia infuscata Schmidt) (Lepidoptera: Trichogrammatoidea armigera Burmeister (Coleoptera, Noctuidae) Nagaraja (Hymenoptera: Rutelinae)] Phyllachora leaf spot Trichogrammatidae) and (Phyllachora penniseti Syd.) larval parasitoid, Habrobracon Bipolaris leaf spot Blister beetles are common (Bipolaris setariae hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: in Africa, feed on pollen, and Phyllosticta leaf blight Braconidae) are effective in Sawada) (Pleosporales: (Phyllosticta penicillariae directly affect grain filling. Pleosporaceae) managing this pest. Nymphs and adults feed on Speg.) (Botryosphaeriales: developing grain, causing Botryosphaeriaceae Grain midge [Geromyia distortion and shrinking of leaf spot penniseti Felt (Diptera: grains. The chafer beetle R. (Curvularia penniseti (Mitra) Pyricularia leaf Cecidomyiidae)] infuscata, is responsible of Boedijn (Pleosporales: spot (Pyricularia sporadic losses ranging from Pleosporaceae) grisea= Magnaporthe This pest could cause 90% 37 to 57% on millet in Niger. grisea) (Hebert) Barr) yield losses in parts of Africa They feed on florets and Dactuliophora leaf spot (Magnaporthales: and India. Larvae of grain stamens, resulting in formation (Dactuliophora elongate Magnaporthaceae) midge feed on developing of empty spikelets. Leakey) (Incertae sedis) 4 pearl millet ipm techniques

IPM Innovation Lab

Photos (From left): • Parasitized pearl millet headminer larvae • Habrobracon hebetor IPM Innovation Lab Other threats (continued) IPM TECHNIQUES FOR MORE Rhizoctonia blight (Rhizoctonia • Maintain a weed-free field to avoid INFORMATION solani Kühn, Rhizoctonia zeae) alternate hosts of pests and diseases. (Cantharellales: Ceratobasidiaceae • Use clean seeds. The Feed the Future Innovation Lab Smut (Moesziomyces penicillariae) for Integrated Pest Management (Schröt.) Vánky (Ustilaginales: • Select insect/disease-resistant varieties. (IPM IL) develops sustainable and Ustilaginaceae) economical pest control methods • Treat seeds with Trichoderma/ to improve livelihoods for farmers Southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii= Pseudomonas to protect them from worldwide. The program’s work is Athelia rolfsii (Curzi) & Kimbr. soil-borne diseases. based in seven countries and is (Atheliales: Atheliaceae) engaged with scientists, extension • Set up pheromone traps for stem agents, students, and farmers in the Top rot (Fusarium verticillioides=Fu- borers to monitor and to take up timely tropical and subtropical world. sarium moniliforme) interventions. The IPM IL is funded by USAID (Lead Zonate leaf spot (Gloeocercospora • If pesticide applications are necessary, award number: AID-OAA-L-15-00001) sorghi) (Sacc.) Nirenberg apply biopesticides e.g. Metarhizium and housed at Virginia Tech in (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae) anisopliae, Metarhizium rileyi, Beauveria Blacksburg, Virginia. bassiana, Bacilllus thuringiensis, NPV (nuclear polyhedrosis viruses), nematode (various fungi) Contact: Seedling blight (Steinernema carpocapsae), and botanical insecticides (e.g. neem). Head mold (various fungi) Anamika Sharma & Rangaswamy Muniappan • Release of egg parasitoids, IPM Innovation Lab Striga or Purple Witchweed [(Striga Trichogramma spp, Trichogrammatoidea Center for International Research, hermonthica) Orobanchaceae] armigera and Telenomus spp and larval parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor for Education, and Development control of lepidopteran pests. (CIRED) Virginia Tech 526 Prices Fork Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-3516 | [email protected] www.cired.vt.edu/IPMIL

Malick Ba International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Niger [email protected]

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