Premium
Effectiveness of Ethrel as a Male Gametocide in Pearl Millet and its Influence on Ergot
Author(s) -
Thakur R. P.,
Rao V. P.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
plant breeding
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.583
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1439-0523
pISSN - 0179-9541
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0523.1988.tb00274.x
Subject(s) - pennisetum , biology , pearl , sterility , pollen , germination , horticulture , agronomy , botany , philosophy , theology
In field and greenhouse experiments Ethrel (2‐chloroethyl phosphonic acid) was tested for its male garnetocidal effects on pearl millet ( Pennisetum americanum ) and its subsequent effects on ergot development. Application of Ethrel at 2000 ppm at late boot or early protogyny was the most effective for inducing male sterility in the hybrid, EJ 104. Female fertility in a male sterile line, however, was not affected by Ethrel treatment. Ethrel at 2030 ppm applied at ihe late boot stage resulted1 in partial paniele exsertion, and reduced plant height anc. panide length. In vitro Ethrel (2000 ppm) completely inhibned pollen germination but did not affect germination of conidia of Claviceps fusiformis , the causal agent of ergot of pearl millet. Ergot resistance or susceptibility in pearl millet lines was not affected., probably because Ethrel could not induce complete male sterility.