Major Diseases of Pearl Millet (Bajra) Crop and Their Control

Pearl millet (Bajra) is an important cereal crop widely grown in dry and semi-arid regions of India. It is valued for both grain and fodder. However, several plant diseases can affect the crop and reduce productivity significantly. Two of the most damaging diseases of pearl millet are Downy Mildew (Green Ear Disease) and Ergot disease. Downy Mildew is one of the most destructive diseases affecting pearl millet across many Indian states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. In severe cases, the disease can affect up to 30–45% of the crop. This disease spreads through infected seeds, crop residues and favorable environmental conditions such as high humidity and temperatures between 22–25°C. Seed treatment using fungicides like Ridomil MZ 72 WP is commonly recommended to prevent early infection. Another important disease of pearl millet is Ergot. This disease is reported from several regions including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Ergot infection occurs mainly during flowering when humidity is high and rainfall occurs. Farmers can manage these diseases through crop rotation, deep summer ploughing, seed treatment with fungicides, and timely sowing of the crop. Proper crop management and disease control practices can significantly reduce losses and improve pearl millet productivity.