(For office use only: Internal circulation)

Proceedings of 57th Online Annual Group Meeting

of
ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet

(March 02-03, 2022)

ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet

Mandor, Jodhpur – 342 304
http://aicrp.icar.gov.in/pearl
www.aicpmip.res.in
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ICAR - All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur

AGENDA

23rd February, 2022

09:30 – 17:00 Review of Research Results of AICRP-PM Centres 2021-2022
(Centre-wise presentation of significant results and progress report)

Day 1: 2nd March, 2022 (Wednesday)

10:00 – 11:30 Session I: Review of Research Results and Progress report 2021-22
Chairman Dr. T.R. Sharma, DDG (CS) ICAR, New Delhi
Co-chairs Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (CC & FFC), ICAR, New Delhi
Dr. Vilas A Tonapi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad
PAMC Experts Dr. P. Raghava Reddy, Ex VC, ANGRAU, Hyderabad
Dr. R.K. Pannu, Ex. Dean, CCS HAU, Hisar
Dr. H.S. Sekhar Shetty, Ex Professor, Downy Mildew Research Lab,
Univ. of Mysore
Dr. M.L. Lodha, Division of Bio-Chemistry, IARI, New Delhi
Dr. D.C. Uprety, Ex-Principal Scientist, Division of Plant Physiology,
IARI, New Delhi
Rapporteurs Dr. S.P. Singh, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Dr. Sanjana Reddy, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad

10:05-10:25 Presentation of Research Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, Project Coordinator,

Highlights in Pearl Millet 2021-22 ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
Discipline-wise Presentation (PI Presentation-10 minutes for each presentation)
10:25-10:35 Plant Breeding Dr. Vikas Khandelwal
ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
10:35-10:45 Agronomy Dr. Anil Kumar, CCS HAU, Hisar
10:45-10:55 Plant Pathology Dr. Chandra Nayaka, UoM, Mysore
10:55-11:05 Entomology Dr. R.K. Juneja, JAU, Jamnagar
11:05-11:15 Plant Physiology Dr. R.C. Meena, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
11:15-11:25 Plant Biotechnology Dr. Supriya, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
11:30-11:40 Break
11:30 – 13.30 Session II: Discipline-wise planning and finalization of technical programmes
Discipline Co-chairs Rapporteurs
Crop Dr. P. Raghava Reddy, Chairman, PAMC Dr. Vikas Khandelwal
Improvement Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, PC Dr. Supriya, ICAR-AICRP on
(11:40-12:25) ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur Pearl millet, Jodhpur
Crop Dr. R.K. Pannu, Ex. Dean, Dr. Anil Kumar, CCS HAU, Hisar
Production CCS HAU, Hisar Dr. Meenakshi Grover, ICAR-
(12:25-12:55) Dr. D.C. Uprety, Ex-Principal Scientist, IARI, New Delhi
Division of Plant Physiology
IARI, New Delhi
Crop Dr. H.S. Shekhar Shetty, Ex Professor, Dr. Chandra Nayak, UoM, Mysore
Protection Downy Mildew Research Lab, Dr. Raj Kumar Juneja,
(12:55-13:35) Univ. of Mysore, Mysore ICAR-AICRP-PM, Junagarh
13:35-14:30 Lunch
14:30 – 15:30 Session III: Review of Research Results of ICAR-ICRISAT Collaborative
Projects 2021-22 and Plan of Work 2022-23
Chairman Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (CC & FFC), ICAR, New Delhi

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Co-Chairs Dr. Vilas A. Tonapi, Director, IIMR, Hyderabad

Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, PC, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
Rapporteur Dr. S.P. Singh, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
14:30-14:50 Progress report of ICAR- Dr. B.R. Beniwal
ICRISAT Partnership trials ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
2021- 22
14:50-15:00 Partnership trials for 2021-22 Dr. S.K. Gupta, Principal Scientist (Pearl
Breeding millet breeding), ICRISAT
15:00-15:10 Marker assisted breeding trials Dr. Rakesh Srivastava, Principal Scientist
(Pearl millet Molecular breeding), ICRISAT
15:30-15-40 Break
15:40-16:15 Session IV: Review of Frontline Demonstrations for 2021-22 and Action Plan
2022-23
Chairman Dr. S.K. Malhotra, Ex -Agri. Commissioner, DAC, New Delhi & Director,
DKMA
Co-Chair Dr. Ishwar Singh, Director, Directorate of Extension Education, AU, Jodhpur
Rapporteur Dr. S.P. Singh, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Dr. Supriya, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur
15:40-16:15 Progress reports on FLDs Dr. Manoj Kumar
ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur

16:30– 17:30 Session V: Varietal Identification Committee Meeting

Chairman Dr. T.R. Sharma, DDG (Crop Science), ICAR, New Delhi
All the members of the VIC
Member Secretary Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, PC, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur

Day 2: 3rd March, 2022 (Thursday)

10:00 – 12:30 Session VI: New initiatives for pearl millet research
Chairman Dr. O.P. Govila, Ex-Project Coordinator (Pearl millet) & Ex-Professor,
Division of Genetics, IARI, New Delhi
Co-chairs Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (CC & FFC), ICAR, New Delhi
Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, PC, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
Rapporteurs Dr. R.K. Kakani, ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur
Dr. Supriya, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur
10:05-10:30 Tapping the untapped: Pre Dr. Shivali Sharma, Senior Specialist,
breeding for Pearl millet Plant Genetic Resources & Pre breeding, Global
improvement Crop Diversity Trust (GCDT), Bonn, Germany
10:30-10:55 Pearl millet genomics and Dr. Rakesh Srivastava, Principal Scientist,
molecular breeding: advances Pearl millet molecular breeding, ICRISAT,
and prospects Patancheru
10:55-11:20 The way to breed winning Dr. Nepolean T, Principal Scientist
hybrids rapidly through Next- (Pearl millet breeding)
Gen breeding approaches in ICAR-IIMR, Rajendranagar, Telangana
Pearl millet
11:20-11:50 Creation of demand for Pearl Dr. B. Dayakar Rao, Principal Scientist & CEO
millet through nutritional (Nutri Hub) IIMR, Rajendranagar, Telangana
labeling, value addition and
entrepreneurship development
11:50-12:00 Break
12:00-13:00 Session VII: Review of DUS Testing Project, Progress Report 2021-22
and Review of BSP 2021-22 and Action Plan 2022-23

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Chairman Dr. D.K. Yadav, ADG (Seeds), ICAR, New Delhi

Co-chair Dr. T.K. Nagarathna, Registrar, PPV&FRA, New Delhi
Rapporteur Dr. Dev Vart Yadav, CCS HAU, Hisar
Dr. Arun Kumar MB, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
12:35-12:50 Progress Report of DUS testing in Pearl millet - Dr. Vikas Khandelwal, ICAR-
AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
Breeder Seed Production- Dr. Vikas Khandelwal, Sr. Scientist (GPB), ICAR-
AICRP on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur
13:00-14:30 Lunch

14:30 – 16:55 Session VIII: Plenary Session

Chief Guest Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR, New Delhi
Chairman Dr. T.R. Sharma, DDG (CS), ICAR, New Delhi
Guest of Honour Dr. B.R. Choudhary, Vice-Chancellor, Agriculture University, Jodhpur
Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (CC & FFC) , ICAR, New Delhi
Dr. Vilas A. Tonapi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad
Rapporteur Dr. Mukesh Sankar, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Dr. Supriya, PC unit, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
14:30-14:40 Welcome and Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, Project Coordinator,
initial remarks ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
14:40-15.10 Technical Sessions Compiled presentation of different technical sessions by
Dr. Sanjana Reddy, Principal Scientist, IIMR, Hyderabad
15:10-15:40 Remarks by All experts
PAMC experts
15:40-16:00 Remarks by Guest Dr. B.R. Choudhary, Vice-Chancellor,
of honors Agriculture University, Jodhpur
Dr. R.K. Singh (CC & FFC), ICAR, New Delhi
Dr. Vilas A. Tonapi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad
16:00-16:10 Release of Publications, Felicitation of retiring employees, Awards
16:10-16:40 Plenary Address Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary,
DARE & DG, ICAR, New Delhi
16:40-16:50 Chairman’s Remarks Dr. T.R. Sharma, DDG (CS), ICAR, New Delhi
16:50-16:55 Vote of thanks Dr. Vikas Khandelwal, Senior Scientist, ICAR-AICRP
on Pearl millet, Jodhpur

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Review of Research Results of ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet

funded centers (2021-22)
An online meeting was held via zoom platform on 23rd February, 2022 to evaluate the
performance of different centers of ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet. The evaluation was done
by the PAMC comprised of Dr. P. Raghava Reddy, Ex VC, ANGRAU, Hyderabad; Dr. R.K.
Pannu, Ex. Dean CCS HAU, Hisar; Dr. H.S. Sekhar Shetty, Ex Professor, Downy Mildew
Research Lab, Univ. of Mysore; Dr. M.L. Lodha, Ex-Head Division of Bio-Chemistry, IARI,
New Delhi; Dr. DC Uprety, Ex Principal Scientist, Division of Plant Physiology. At the
outset of the meeting, Project Coordinator welcomed the Chairman and all PAMC experts.
The session was chaired by Dr. Vilas A Tonapi, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets
Research and Co-chaired by Dr. C Tara Satyavathi, Project Coordinator, ICAR-AICRP on
Pearl millet, Jodhpur. The progress made during 2021-2022 was presented by respective
cente PIs of different ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet centres. The centre wise observations and
suggestions are briefly mentioned below:

SKRAU, Bikaner- Dr P.C. Gupta presented the progress report and following observations
were made:
 Seven plant breeding, four ICAR-ICRISAT, six agronomy trials and 20 FLDs were
conducted by the centre.
 Good hybrids have been developed for A1 zone. Efforts on parental line multiplication
of these hybrids should be enhanced for taking up demonstration of these hybrids on a
large scale.
 Efforts for MoU with private sector should be made for enhancing the hybrid
adoption by the farmers.
 Fertility status of the soil (status of major and micro-nutrients) and physio-chemical
properties of the soil should be recorded treatment-wise in the experiments.
 Inherent fertilizer levels should be considered while planning fertilizer treatment
experiments.
 Soil water content and water use efficiency should be recorded.
 Contribution of weed management on yield should be calculated and presented.

RARI, Durgapura- Dr. L.D. Sharma presented the progress of the centre and the following
observations were recorded:
 The centre was appreciated for MoU made with One Life Foundation, New Delhi on
Jan 7th 2022 for the commercialization of Hybrid RHB 234.

CCS HAU, Hisar- Dr. Anil Kumar presented the progress report and the different salient
achievements and observations are given below:
 CCS HAU has made non-exclusive licensing (NEL) agreement with three private
seed companies for three pearl millet hybrids viz., HHB 299, HHB 311 and HHB 67
Improved.
 HHB 67 Improved-2 was identified and released during 2021 wich is an essentially-
derived variety (EDV) version of Immensely popular pearl millet hybrid HHB 67
Improved.
 An unidentified phenolic compound (Retention Time; RT 8.00 min), taxifolin (RT
7.90 min), naringin (RT 11.00 min) and apigenin (RT 14.10 min) detected in pearl
millet flour on Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) for the first time,
which may be the major contributing factor for its poor shelf life.

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 First report of stem rot identified to be caused by Klebsiella aerogenesand published

in Plant Disease Journal.
 Nine plant breeding, three ICAR-ICRISAT, six agronomy and five pathology trials/
nurseries were also conducted.
 Basic research initiatives should be taken up for the newly reported stem rot disease.
 Possibilities of making new MoUs with private sector should be explored.

RVSKVV, Gwalior- Dr. R.K. Pandya presented the progress of the centre and important
achievements and suggestions are given below:
 Six plant breeding, three ICAR-ICRISAT, six station trials (plant breeding) and seven
pathology trials/nurseries were conducted.
 Environment friendly management of Pearl millet blast: Performance of Cow urine @
10% with Propiconazole is a good sign in the direction of low cost environment
friendly management of pearl millet blast.
 On the basis of disease indexing under field conditions of 75 germplasm lines, twelve
viz., IP-310, IP-240, IP-317, IP-126, IP-205, IP-102, IP-247, IP-386, IP-338, IP-208,
IP-101and IP-210 were found highly resistant to blast.
 It was suggested that in coordinated trials of pathology, 70% infection on infector
rows to be checked and if the level of infection is low, data should not be sent to the
PC-Unit.
 Inheritance and mapping of gene should be done.

PAU, Ludhiana- Dr. Ruchika presented the progress report and the presentation was
appreciated. Salient achievements and suggestions are mentioned below:
 One fodder Bajra variety PCB 166 was released during 2021.
 Six plant breeding, one ICAR-ICRISAT, six station trials and 10 FLDs were
conducted.
 It was suggested that harvest index should also be considered in the entries tested.
 It was suggested to check the % superiority (given as 11 to 14%) of PBL4 and efforts
must be made to get it released.
 Shelf life should be checked in products for added advantage.

JAU, Jamnagar- Dr. K.D. Mungra presented the progress report and the following
observation were made:
 Parental lines were identified with flowering stage heat tolerance.
 A non-exclusive MoU was made by the centre for five years with Surya Seed Farm,
Gandhinagar for seed production, marketing and commercialization of biofortified
hybrids GHB 1129 and GHB 1231 on 21-06-2021.
 It was suggested that research data available at the center should be compiled and
published.
 Ten Plant Breeding, 3 ICAR-ICRISAT, 6 Plant Pathology, 9 Entomology trials and
30 FLDs were conducted.
 Number of slides should be minimized.

ANGRAU, Ananthapuramu- The progress report was presented by Dr. C.V. Chandra
Mohan Reddy and the following observations and suggestions were made:
The centre informed that variety ABV04 released during 2019-20, is being popularized. The
suggestions given are as follows:
 Productivity variations in FLDs and station trials should be looked into.

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 Farmers should be made aware of nutritional superiority of biofortified material in

FLDs.

NARP, Aurangabad- Dr. SB Pawar presented the progress report and following suggestions
were made:
 Parameters for estimation of rancidity should be looked into.
 Benchmark should be decided by PC Unit exclusively for biofortified cultivars.
 Biofortified products should be distributed to Anganwadis for creating demand.
 Extension activities for biofortified hybrids should be strengthened.
 NAAS rating of the journals should be given in presentation.
 Possibilities of making new MoUs with private sector should be explored.

TNAU, Coimbatore- Dr. K Iyanaar presented the progress report and the following
suggestions were given to the centre:
 Quality of publications should be improved.
 Soil analysis should be done before sowing and after harvesting.
 Fe and Zn data should be logically presented.
 Data should be presented as range across treatments
 Plant sample data should also be given.
 Rainfall pattern should be presented in histogram.
 Value addition and product development work should be given priority.
 Time of sowing should be adjusted to avoid rains during flowering.

MPKV, Dhule- Dr. K.K. Barhate presented the progress report and the centre was
appreciated for the progress and following suggestions were given:
 High disease pressure is observed in farmers’ field as against the station screening
facility. The facility should be checked for the virulence levels.
 Effective screening procedure for disease screening needs to be developed at the
center.
 The area under Phule Adishakthi should be increased from current 4-5% in the state.
 Feasibility of seed treatment with proline and foliar spray with KCl to be worked out
for improving yield under stress.
 NAAS rating should be given in publications.

UOM, Mysore- Dr. S. Chandra Nayaka presented the progress report. The work done at the
center was appreciated by Project Coordinator and the PAMC members. The following major
observations are mentioned below:
 Eight plant pathology trials were conducted.
 High incidence of blast (>30% incidence) and rust (15%) was observed in farmers’
field in Karnataka.
 Symptoms of bacterial leaf blight were observed on pearl millet for the first time.

UAS, Vijayapur- Dr. B.K. Athoni presented the progress report and the following
observations and suggestions were made:
 One composite variety VPMV-9 was released and notified for zone III of Karnataka
during 2021.
 It was pointed out that no central release is available from centre. Breeding activity
needs to be strengthened.

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General observations made by Project Coordinator and PAMC experts:

 Pre-breeding work should be strengthened.
 Parental lines should have tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses
 In genomic studies, genes on genetic map should be established before use.
 Seed production of new hybrids should be taken on priority.
 Production technologies should be made available for different production systems
which should be cost-effective and sustainable.
 Influence of soil nutrients on grain quality should be studied and data should be
generated on grain content and soil nutrients.
 Organic farming techniques should be developed and standardized and an experiment
on organic farming should be planned.
 Effect of climate variability should be taken into consideration while formulating the
experiments.
 Popularization of hybrids and varieties in the areas of respective centers should be
done.
 FLDs should be conducted in representative environments more efficiently and
effectively.
 Promotion of pearl millet in tribal areas should be done.
 Disease screening should be efficient and relationship should be established between
weather data and disease incidence.
 Disease and pest resistant lines should be involved in breeding programs. Available
breeding lines should also be screened for biotic constraints.
 Pest and disease surveillance in farmer's fields and disease screening nurseries have to
be correlated.
 Pests and diseases should be closely monitored.
 Metalaxyl treatment should be used as a control to compare different entries in downy
mildew studies.
 Studies on Consortium of microorganisms should be initiated.
 Higher percentage of lines will be susceptible at appropriate disease pressure in sick
plot. Hence, disease pressure should be properly checked and corrected.
 Strategic research on newly reported pathogens should be done under quarantine.
 There has been significant improvement in the experiments as well as presentations
from all centers.
 Data from different centers should be compiled and published and more focus should
be given on quality of publications with more than 6 NAAS rating.
 Budget should be utilized in the current financial year itself so that re-validation is not
required.
 Presentation should be focused and precise and there should not be more than 50
slides in centrewise presentation.

The meeting ended with the vote of thanks.

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SESSION I

Review of Research Results and Progress Report 2021-22

Chairman Dr. T.R. Sharma, DDG (CS) ICAR, New Delhi
Co-chairs Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (CC & FFC), ICAR, New Delhi
Dr. Vilas A Tonapi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad
PAMC Experts Dr. P. Raghava Reddy, Ex VC, ANGRAU, Hyderabad
Dr. R.K. Pannu, Ex-Dean, CCS HAU, Hisar
Dr. H. Shekhar Shetty, Ex Professor, Downy Mildew Research Lab,
Univ. of Mysore, Mysore
Dr. M.L. Lodha, Ex Principal Scientist, Division of Bio-Chemistry,
IARI, New Delhi
Dr. DC Uprety, Ex Principal Scientist, Division of Plant Physiology,
IARI, New Delhi
Rapporteurs Dr. S.P. Singh, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Dr. Sanjana Reddy, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad
Date 2nd March, 2022

The 57thAnnual Group Meeting of ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet was held online on Zoom
platform on 2nd-3rd March, 2022. Dr. T. R. Sharma, DDG (Crop Science), ICAR, New Delhi
chaired the session while Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (FFC), ICAR, New Delhi and Dr. Vilas A
Tonapi, Director, ICAR- Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad co-chaired the
session. Around 150 participants including PAMC Chairman, Dr. P. Raghava Reddy and
members Dr. M.L. Lodha (Biochemistry), Dr. R.K. Pannu (Agronomy), Prof. H. Shekhar
Shetty (Plant Pathology) and Dr. D.C. Uprety (Plant Physiology), Directors from various
ICAR institutes and scientists from public sector, private sector and ICRISAT attended this
online meeting.

Research Highlights in Pearl millet 2021-22

Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, Project Coordinator, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur

welcomed all the guests and participants and presented research highlights of various Pearl
millet experiments conducted during 2021-22. She informed the house that many of the
centres have taken up programme on parental line improvement. She highlighted product
profile developed for each zone and trait specific germplasm identified and pre-breeding
work initiated at various centers. She also informed that in online meeting to review the
bench mark levels for Fe and Zn, group decided to continue with the same levels (Fe: 42
ppm, Zn: 32 ppm) for another two years. A total of 23.23 q breeder seed was produced during
2021-22 which is higher than the indented quantity of 5.13 q. Breeder seed production of 26
parental lines and 5 OPVs was also undertaken during 2021-22. Out of 340 ha area under
FLDs, around 141 (41.5%) ha was covered under biofortified hybrids. She informed that
more incidences of rust and blast were observed during 2021-22. 13 candidate varieties were
characterized for DUS traits. Project coordinator also told that a total of six MoUs were
signed with private seed companies by different AICRP centres. Dr. T.R. Sharma, DDG (CS)
ICAR, New Delhi appreciated presentation made by Project Coordinator and the significant
efforts made by AICRP on Pearl millet. He also complimented Project Coordinator for
developing 10 product profiles for each zone and signing six MoUs with different private
companies for pearl millet hybrids.

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Presentations were made by Principal Investigators of different disciplines on progress made

during 2021-22 in this session:

Plant Breeding: The presentation was done by PI, Plant Breeding, Dr. Vikas Khandelwal,
ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur. He reported that no entry was promoted from IHT
(E) to APHT 1(E) and PT A to APHT I (E). Two entries from AHPT I (E) to AHPT II, two
entries from IHT (L) A to AHT I (L)A, two entries from AHTI (L) A to AHT II (L) A, two
entries from IHT (M) A to AHT II (M)A were promoted. Three entries were promoted from
PT A to PTI A while no entry was promoted from PTIA to PT IIA. It was suggested to repeat
one EDV entry MH 2661 which was observed to have 3.5% yield superiority over check for
testing under the same trial for one more year. Dr. T.R. Sharma, DDG (CS) ICAR, New
Delhi pointed out that some of the varieties were not fulfilling the criteria for promotion and
thus there is a need to broaden the genetic base of the material and pre-breeding can play an
important role in broadening the genetic base. He suggested that IIMR, Hyderabad, IARI
New Delhi and ICRISAT can play an important role in pre-breeding activities. Dr R.K.
Singh, ADG (CC & FFC), ICAR suggested that for basic and strategic research IIMR,
Hyderabad should also be included. He stressed upon considering bioavailability of Fe and
Zn while evaluating genotypes for iron and zinc. Dr. Vilas A Tonapi, Director, ICAR-IIMR,
Hyderabad pointed out that specific crosses should be attempted for production of iron and
zinc enriched parental lines.

Agronomy: PI, Agronomy, Dr. Anil Kumar, CCS HAU, Hisar presented the progress report
of Agronomy discipline. He reported that a total of 6 different trials were undertaken under
the crop production. Chairman suggested to generate 2-3 major recommendations.

Pathology: PI, Pathology, Dr. Chandra Nayaka, UoM, Mysore presented the report on trials
taken up during kharif 2021. A total of eight trials were conducted during the year 2021-22.
Application of different bioagents for the management of downy mildew was found effective.
A new disease bacterial leaf blight caused by Pantoeastewartii sub spp. indologenes was
reported for first time in India. In addition, stem rot caused by Klebsiella aerogenes was
reported from Hisar, Bhiwani, Rewari and Mohindergarh districts of Haryana. Eleven
genotypes were identified with multiple disease resistance which can be utilized in crop
improvement program.

Dr. T.R. Sharma, DDG (CS) ICAR, New Delhi suggested that clear cut
recommendations should be given for various technologies. A committee can be constituted
for identifying various technologies both in sorghum and pearl millet. He appreciated the
efforts of screening of 235 pearl millet germplasm for different biotic and abiotic stresses and
suggested that these germplasms should also be screened under artificial conditions.
Chairman also suggested that multiple disease resistant lines should be artificially screened
for disease reaction.

Entomology: PI, Entomology, Dr. R.K. Juneja, JAU, Jamnagar presented the progress report.
He reported that a total of 8 trials were conducted and informed the house regarding pest
incidence of shoot fly and stem borer at various centres. Germplasm line IP 2704 identified
to be free from majority of pests at all stages of plant growth. A mini-core collection of 235
entries were screened for pest incidence. Dr Juneja reported that experiment on IPM modules
for pest management has been initiated for effective management of pest.

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Plant Physiology: The presentation was done by PI, Plant Physiology, Dr. R.C. Meena,
ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur. He reported that a total of six experiments were
conducted at Mandor, Jaipur and Jamnagar during summer and kharif, 2021 for heat and
drought tolerance at different stages of crop. Chairman suggested that data should be
analyzed statistically and plant physiology experiments should be integrated with production
experiments and contribute towards abiotic stress tolerance. Dr R.K. Singh, ADG (CC &
FFC), ICAR suggested that physiological traits should also be included while evaluating
genotypes for heat and drought tolerance. Soil moisture and soil nutrient data must be also
presented.

Plant Biotechnology: The presentation was made by Dr. Supriya, PI, Plant Biotechnology,
ICAR- AICRP on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur. She presented results of four experiments-diversity
analysis and molecular characterization of pearl millet germplasm, DNA fingerprinting of
advanced entries, validation of markers for high Fe and Zn and drought tolerance in different
pearl millet genotypes conducted during 2021. Dr R.K. Singh, ADG (CC & FFC), ICAR
suggested that molecular breeding should be used in place of plant biotechnology. He also
pointed out that work on validation of the markers should be done in mapping populations
and other genetic backgrounds. More number of genotypes should be studied for diversity
and fingerprinting.. Chairman suggested that molecular breeding work should be done in
collaboration with IARI, New Delhi, IIMR, Hyderabad and ICRISAT, Hyderabad. In
addition, molecular breeding activities taken up at IARI, IIMR should also be presented for
the benefit of pearl millet researchers.

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SESSION - II

PLAN OF WORK 2022-23

A. CROP IMPROVEMENT (PLANT BREEDING)

Chairman Dr. P. Raghava Reddy, Chairman, PAMC

Co-chairs Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, PC, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur
Rapporteurs Dr. Vikas Khandelawal and Dr. Supriya, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
Date 2nd March, 2022

FORMULATION OF TECHNICAL PROGRAMME FOR 2022-23

PLANT BREEDING
Organization of trials

Criteria for promotion of entries

 Grain yield = higher than best check or 10% higher over relevant check in early and
Medium group and 5% over relevant check in Late group.
 Downy mildew (60 DAS) under sick plot equal to or less than 5% in hybrids and
populations across all Zones.
 Blast (Score) equal to or less than 3 (by using 0-9 scale) in hybrids and populations
across all Zones.
 Ergot (% severity) under artificial inoculation conditions equal or less than 20%
across all Zones in hybrids and populations.
 Smut (% severity) under artificial inoculation conditions equal or less than 20%
across all Zones in hybrids and populations.
 Rust (% leaf area) equal to or less than 20% in hybrids and populations across all
Zones.
 Days to 50% flowering in IHT (Early) and AHPT (Early) equal to or less than 45
Days, in IHT (Medium) and AHT (Medium) equal to or less than 50 Days.
 A grace of one day in days to 50% flowering may be given to hybrids yielding grains
15% higher over HHB 67 Improved in early group hybrids and yielding grains 15%
higher over relevant check in medium group hybrids.
 The total promoted entries should not be more than 33% of total test entries in
medium and late maturity hybrid trials.
 Iron content ≥42 ppm and Zinc content ≥32ppm in all the trials.
Promotion Criteria for Summer Hybrid Trial: (From 2019 onward)
 Grain yield = higher than best check or 5% higher over relevant check.
 Downy mildew (60 DAS) under sick plot equal to or less than 5% in hybrids.
 Blast (Score) equal to or less than 3 (by using 0-9 scale) in hybrids.
 Ergot (% severity) under artificial inoculation conditions equal or less than 20% in
hybrids.
 Smut (% severity) under artificial inoculation conditions equal or less than 20% in
hybrids.
 Rust (% leaf area) equal to or less than 20% in hybrids.
 The total promoted entries should not be more than 33% of total test entries.
 Iron content ≥42 ppm and Zinc content ≥32 ppm.

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The following entries were promoted to next higher stage in various trials on the basis of
performance in trials for the characters:

Hybrid and Population Trials

Entries promoted to next higher stage of testing in kharif/summer 2023 Zone A1 and A

S. No. Advanced Hybrid & Population Trial (E) ZoneA1 S. No. Advanced Hybrid Trial (L) Zone A [AHT(L)
IHT (E) to AHPT I (E) IHT
A] (L) A to AHT I (L) A
Nil 1 MH 2626
PT A to AHPT I (E) 2 MH 2631
Nil 3 MH 2654
AHPT I (E) to AHPT II (E) AHT I (L) A to AHT II (L) A
1 MH 2553 1 MH 2577
2 MH 2555 2 MH 2580
Checks Checks
1 HHB 67 (Imp.) 1 86M86
2 RHB 177 2 KBH 108
3 RHB 223 3 MP 7792
4 MPMH 21 4 MP 7878
5 HHB 272

S. No. Advanced Hybrid Trial (M) Zone A [AHT (M)A] S. No. Population Trial Zone A (PT A)
IHT (M) A to AHT I (M) A PT A to PT I A
1 MH 2618 1 MP 610
2 MH 2619 2 MP 612
AHT I (M)A to AHT II (M) A 3 MP 613
Nil PT I A to PT II A
Checks Nil
1 MPMH 17 + New entries of PT
2 86M01 Checks
3 PB 1705 1 Raj 171
4 GHB 905 2 Pusa Comp. 383
5 PB 1852 3 JBV 2
6 JKBH 1326 4 Pusa Comp. 701
6
7 DHBH 1397 5 Dhanshakti
6 ICMV 221
S. No. Essentially Derived Varietal Trial (EDV) A1
EDV to EDV I
1 MH 2661
+ New entries of EDV
Checks
1 GHB 538

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Entries promoted to next higher stage of testing in kharif/summer 2023 Zone B

Advanced Hybrid Trial (M) Zone B Advanced Hybrid Trial (L) Zone B
S. No. S. No.
[AHT (M) B] [AHT (L) B]
IHT (M) B to AHT I (M) B IHT (L) B to AHT I (L) B
1 MH 2606 Nil
2 MH 2618 AHT I (L) B to AHT II (L) B
3 MH 2619 Nil
4 MH 2562 (Repeat) Checks
5 MH 2564 (Repeat) 1 86M86
AHT I (M) B to AHT II (M) B 2 Kaveri Super Boss
Nil 3 NBH 4903
Checks
1 Pratap
2 NBH 5767
3 86M01
4 AHB 1269

S. No. Summer Hybrid Trial (SHT) S. No. Population Trial Zone B (PT B)
SHT to SHT I PT B to I PT B
1 MSH 381 Nil
2 MSH 389 PT I B to PT II B
SHT I to SHT II Nil
1 MSH 371
2 MSH 372 + New entries of PT
3 MSH 377 Checks
+ New entries 1 Raj 171
Checks 2 ICMV 221
1 86M64 3 Dhanshakti
2 Proagro 9444 4 ICMV 155
3 Nandi 75 5 Pusa Comp. 612
4 MP 7366 6 ABV 04

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Table I.1 Details of Centres and Trials Conducted During Kharif 2022/Summer 2023 in Zone A1 and A

IHT IHT IHT AHPT EDV AHT AHT

LOCATIONS PT RHVT SHT
(E) (M) (L) (E) (M) (L)
ZONE A1
RAJASTHAN
Mandor (ICAR-AICRP) * * * * *
Mandor (ARS, AU Jodhpur) * *
Jodhpur (ICAR-CAZRI) * *
Bikaner (SKRAU) * * * * * *
Fathehpur Shekhawati (SKNAU) * *
Samdari (AUJ) * *
ARS, Jalore (AUJ) * *
Nagaur (AU, Jodhpur) * *
GUJARAT
Kothara (SDAU) * * * *
HARYANA
Bawal (CCSHAU) * * * *
Total Trials Zone A1 9 4 0 9 4 0 2 2 1
ZONE A
RAJASTHAN
Jaipur (SKNAU) * * * * * *
Jaipur (Seed works) * *
Jaipur (Corteva) * *
Tabiji (SKNAU) * *
Paota (Limagrain) *
Tijara (Rallis) * * *
Alwar (Corteva) * *
Alwar (Bioseed) * *
Dausa (Rasi Seeds) * *
GUJARAT
Talaja (JAU) * *
Anand (AAU) * * *
Jamnagar (JAU) * * * * * * *
S.K.Nagar (SDAU) * * * * *
Visnagar (Apex Seedstech) *
Ahmedabad (Nandi) * *
Dhanera (J K Seed) * * * *
Dehgam (Rallis) *
Dehgam (Kaveri Seeds) * *
Palanpur (Corteva) *
Deesa (J K Seed) *
UTTAR PRADESH
Jhansi (RLBCAU) * * *
Aligarh (Hytech) * *
Hathras (Ganga Kaveri) *
Agra (Kartik Bio Seeds) * * *
Agra (Mahindra) *
Bichpuri (Kaveri Seeds) * *
Mathura (Kamadgiri) * *
HARYANA
Hisar (CCS,HAU) * * * * * * * *
Gurugram (Tierraagrotech) * * *
MADHYA PRADESH
Gwalior (RVSKVV) * * * * * *
Morena (RVSKVV) * *
PUNJAB
Ludhiana (PAU) * * * * * *
DELHI
New Delhi (ICAR-IARI) * * *
JHARKHAND
Ranchi (BAU) *
JAMMU & KASHMIR
Jammu (SKUAST) *
Total Trials Zone A 2 18 19 2 15 12 10 7 10

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Table I.1 Details of Centres and Trials Conducted During Kharif 2022/Summer 2023 in Zone B

LOCATIONS IHT (M) IHT (L) AHT (M) AHT (L) PT RHVT SHT
MAHARASHTRA
Auarangabad (NARP) * * * * * * *
Auarangabad (Ajeet Seed) * *
Auarangabad (Seed works) * * *
Niphad (MPKV) * * *
Dhule (MPKV) * * * * * * *
Jalna (Mahyco) * *
Jalna (Krishidhan Ghanewadi) *
Pachora (Nirmal Seed) * * *
Malkapur (Ankur Seed) *
Gangapur (Ganga Kaveri ) *
KARNATAKA
Vijayapur (UAS Dharwad) * * * * * *
Malnoor (UAS, Raichur) * * * *
Dharwad (KSSC Ltd) *
ANDHRA PRADESH
Ananthapuram (ANGRAU) * * * * * *
Perumallapalle (ANGRAU) * * *
Vizianagaram (ANGRAU) * * *
TELANGANA
Palem (PJTSAU) * * * * *
Hyderabad (Nuziveedu) *
Toopran, Medak (NU Genes) *
TAMIL NADU
Coimbatore (TNAU) * * * * * * *
ODISHA
Semiliguda (OUAT) * * *
Total Trials Zone B 12 13 10 8 11 9 8

Observations to be recorded in initial and advanced trials:

1. Days to 50% Flowering –Rounded to 0 decimal
2. Plant Height (cm) –Rounded to 0 decimal
3. No. of productive tillers/plant -Rounded to one decimal
4. Panicle length (cm) -Rounded to one decimal
5. Panicle Diameter (cm) - Rounded to one decimal
6. Seed set under bagging (In hybrid trials only) –Rounded to 0 decimal
7. Grain yield (kg/plot) -Rounded to three decimals
8. Fodder yield (kg/plot)- Rounded to three decimals
9. Days to maturity- Rounded to 0 decimal
10. Plant population at harvest (No./Plot)
11. 1000-seed wt (g)
12. Diseases and pest incident (Under natural conditions)

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New entries for testing in initial trial Kharif 2022/Summer 2023

S. Name of Entries
Organization/Institution
No. IHT (E) IHT (M) IHT (L) PT Summer
CZH 263
CZH 264
1 ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur CZH 265
CZH 266
CZH 267
GHB 1305 GHB 1330 GHB 1337 GHB 1347
2 ICAR-AICRP on PM, JAU, Jamnagar GHB 1349 GHB 1351 GHB 1352 GHB 1349
GHB 1350
BHB 2201 BCB 2201
BHB 2202 BCB 2202
BHB 2203
3 ICAR-AICRP, RARI, SKRAU, Bikaner
BHB 2204
BHB 2205
BHB 2206
4 ICAR-AICRP, CCSHAU, Hisar HHB 344 HHB 345
AHB-1732
5 NARP, Aurangabad AHB-1609
AHB-1610
Pusa 2201 Pusa 2203 Pusa Composite 729
6 ICAR-IARI New Delhi Pusa 2202 Pusa 2204 Pusa Composite 730
Pusa 2205 Pusa Composite 731
TNBH 17016 TNBH 19005 TNBH 19005
7 ICAR-AICRP, TNAU, Coimbatore
TNBH 19013 TNBH 1619
RHB-273 RHB-275 RCB-32
8 ICAR-AICRP, RARI, SKNAU, Jaipur
RHB-274
RVBH-2251
9 ICAR-AICRP on PM, RVSKVV, Gwalior
RVBH-2252
PHB 3767 GBL 3
10 ICAR-AICRP on PM,PAU Ludhiana
GBL 8
VPMH 18 VPMH 20 VPMV 14
11 RARS, Vijyapura VPMH 19 VPMV 15
VPMV 16
IIMRPH1 IIMRPH2 IIMRPH3 IIMRPV1
12 ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad HMHE2201 HMHM2203
HMHE2202 HMHM2204
DHBH-21005 DHBH-21001 DHBH-21003 DHBH-1925
DHBH-21002 DHBH-21007 DHBH-26
13 ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Dhule
DHBH-21004
DHBH-21006
PPBV-5
14 ARS, ANGRU, Perumallapalle
PPBV-8
APHB 126
15 ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Ananthapuramu APHB 135
APHB 234
US7712 US7307
16 Seed Works PVT. LTD. Hyderabad
US7773
17 Nuziveedu Seed Pvt. Ltd., Secunderabad NBH 2340 NBH 5992 NBH 5922
18 Kaveri Seed Com. Ltd., Secunderabad KPH6111 KPH6277 KPH6320
19 Nu Genes Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad NU 447
20 Corteva Agriscience, Hyderabad 9025A428-01
21 Hytech Seed India Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad HT 422316
JKBH1870 JKBH1989
22 JK Agri Genetics Ltd, Hyderabad
JKBH1924 JKBH1992
23 Shakti Vardhak Hybrid Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Hisar SVPMH-128
24 Limagrain India Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad BLPMH 111 BLPMH 112 BLPMH 113
PB1987 PB2046
PB1991 PB2064
25 Crystal Crop Protection Ltd., Aurangabad
PB1948
PB1858
VNR-106 VNR-107 VNR-109
26 VNR Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad
VNR-108 VNR-110
MP7173
27 Rallis India Ltd., Hyderabad
MP7179
28 Trimurti Plant Sciences Pvt. Ltd. TMBH 680
29 Nirmal Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Pachora NPH-5654
30 Nandi Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad NANDI-11 NANDI-31
HYMH 4081
31 Hi-Yield Agri Genetics Pvt. Ltd.
HYMH 4091
NBBH 4092 NBBH 4062
32 Navbharat Seeds Pvt. Ltd. NBBH 4093
NBBH 4094
33 Bioseed Research India BIO 463

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Experimental details:
Initial Trials: No. of rows – 3 (net) Advanced Trials: No. of rows – 6 (net)
Row length – 4m(net) Row length – 4m (net)
Spacing- 60 cm x 15 cm (Zone A1) Spacing- 60 cm x 15 cm (Zone A1)
50 cm x 15 cm (Zone A & B) 50 cm x 15 cm (Zone A & B)
Plot size – 4m x 1.8 m (net) (Zone A1) Plot size – 4m x 3.6 m (net) (Zone A1)
4 m x 1.5 m (net) (Zone A & B) 4m x 3.0 m (net) (Zone A & B)
Fertilizer – As per recommendations Fertilizer – As per recommendations
Population Trials: No. of rows – 6 (net) EDV Trial: No. of rows – 6 (net)
Spacing- 60 cm x 15 cm (Zone A1) Row length – 4m (net)
50 cm x 15 cm (Zone A & B) Spacing- 60 cm x 15 cm
Plot size – 4m x 3.6 m (net) (Zone A1) Plot size – 4m x 3.6 m (net)
4m x 3.0 m (net) (Zone A & B) Fertilizer – As per recommendations
Fertilizer – As per recommendations

Proposed entries for initial trials

IHT (E) A1: 26 PT A & B Zone : 14
IHT (M) A & B Zone : 28 Summer 2023: 19
IHT (L) A & B Zone : 34
Seed Requirement (per entry)
IHT € A1 Zone : 1.5 Kg AHT (M) A : 2.0 Kg AHT (L) A : 2.0 Kg
IHT (M) A & B Zone : 2.0 Kg AHT (M) B : 2.0 Kg AHT (L) B : 2.0 Kg
IHT (L) A & B Zone : 2.250 Kg RHVT A : 1.250 Kg EDV Trials : 1.5 Kg
Initial Population Trial A & B Zone : 2.0 RHVT B : 1.250 Kg
Kg
Population Trial A Zone : 1.5 Kg Summer Hybrid Trial : 2.0 Kg
Population Trial B Zone: 1.5 Kg
AHPT (E) A1 Zone: 1.5 Kg
Additional seed requirement for entries of IIIrd year testing for agronomical trials (Separate pack)
AHT Zone A : 3.500 Kg AHT Zone B : 3.500 Kg
PT Zone A: 2.500 Kg AHPT Zone A1: 2.500 Kg
PT Zone B: 2.500 Kg Summer Hybrid Trial : 2.000 Kg
Seed requirement of checks:
HHB 67 Imp.: 7.0 Kg 86M86: 10.0 Kg HHB 299: 5.0 kg Raj 171: 7.0 Kg
RHB 177: 7.0 Kg KBH 108: 8.0 Kg GHB 538: 3.0 Kg Pusa Comp. 383: 5.0 Kg
RHB 223: 5.0 Kg MP-7792: 6.0 Kg 86M64: 4.0 Kg JBV 2: 4.0 Kg
MPMH 21: 5.0 Kg MP-7878: 4.0 Kg Proagro 9444: 3.0 Kg Pusa Comp. 701: 3.0 Kg
HHB 272: 5.0 Kg Pratap: 6.0 Kg Nandi 75: 3.0 Kg Dhanshakti: 7.0 Kg
MPMH 17: 8.0 Kg NBH 5767: 8.0 Kg MP 7366: 3.0 Kg ICMV 221: 6.0 Kg
86M01: 6.0 Kg AHB 1269: 6.0 Kg ICMH 356: 4.0 Kg ICMV 155: 3.0 Kg
PB 1705: 4.0 Kg Kaveri Super Boss: 6.0 GHB 558: 4.0 Kg Pusa Comp. 612: 3.0 Kg
GHB 905: 5.0 Kg Kg 4903: 4.0 Kg
NBH RHB 173: 4.0 Kg ABV 04: 4.0 Kg
PB 1852: 4.0 Kg RHB 233: 5.0 kg
JKBH 1326: 4.0 Kg RHB 234: 5.0 kg
DHBH 1397: 5.0 kg AHB 1200: 5.0 kg
Seed requirement of Released Hybrids/varieties: 1.5 Kg seed of all national released
hybrids/varieties since 2005 should be sent for RHVT Trial positively (Separate pack).

The required quantity of seed material (untreated) of entries along with pedigree selected for
organizing the trials as above with new entries should reach to the office of the Project
Coordinator (Pearl Millet), ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, ARS, Mandor, Jodhpur 342304
(Rajasthan) latest by 25th May 2022 for kharif and by 15th January 2023 for summer

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trials along with required testing fee of Rs. 75,000 + GST 18% /entry (Private Sector) in
form of DD/cheque at par in favour of Project Coordinator (Pearl Millet), Mandor, payable at
Jodhpur. If the testing fee is increased by the council, upon the receipt of information
from council, increased testing fee will be charged from this season. Entries without fee
and pedigree of hybrids/varieties will not be accepted. Seed of each entry should be
packed in cloth bag separately for each zone and also for agronomic trials.

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PLAN OF WORK 2022-23 FOR MOLECULAR BREEDING

PMMB 1: VALIDATION OF MARKERS IN PEARL MILLET

Experiment 1: Validation of drought tolerance markers in pearl millet drought/heat

tolerant genotypes suitable for A1 zone.

Background: Development of high yielding, dual purpose disease resistant cultivars for low
rainfall areas i.e. A1 zone is of utmost priority for increasing pearl millet productivity at
national level and some new initiatives were taken last year to screen germplasm for A1 zone
and develop some hybrids for this specific zone. Keeping this in view, this experiment will be
useful for screening and developing drought/heat tolerant hybrids for A1 zone.

Objective: Validation of drought tolerance markers in drought tolerant lines suitable for A1
zone using SSR markers

Plant material: Young leaf samples of 2-3 leaf stage of drought/heat tolerant genotypes.

Methodology
 Phenotyping will be done at PC Unit, Jodhpur
 DNA isolation and genotyping will be done at PC Unit, Jodhpur using SSR markers.
 Genotyping using SNP panel will be done in collaboration with IIMR, Hyderabad.

 DNA isolation will be done using CTAB method.

 Molecular characterization using SSR markers.

Experiment 2: Molecular characterization of disease tolerant genotypes

Background: Downy mildew and blast are two major diseases affecting pearl millet. Hence,
screening of pearl millet lines resistant to these diseases will be useful for developing disease
resistant pearl millet hybrids.

Objective: Screening of disease resistant pearl millet genotypes using molecular markers.

Plant material: Young leaf samples of 2-3 leaf stage of disease tolerant genotypes tested
under nursery trials at UoM, Mysore

Methodology
 Phenotyping will be done at UoM, Mysore
 Genotyping will be done at PC Unit, Jodhpur
 DNA isolation will be done using CTAB method.
 Screening and molecular characterization using markers identified for blast
and downy mildew.
PMMB 2: MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF GERMPLASM OF PEARL
MILLET

Experiment 1: Molecular characterization of hybrids and varieties of pearl millet

released during last 5 years

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Background: Database on various morphological parameters for these hybrids/varieties is

already available but till now no molecular database is existing. Thus, this experiment will be
conducted to screen some SSR markers and initiate genomic studies in pearl millet under
ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet.

Objective: Molecular characterization of released hybrids and varieties of pearl millet.

Plant material: Young leaf samples of 2-3 leaf stage of released hybrids/varieties.

Methodology
 DNA isolation will be done using CTAB method.
 Molecular characterization using SSR markers.

Experiment 2: DNA fingerprinting of identified/advanced hybrid entries of third year

testing

Background: The entries promoted for third year testing will be later identified for release
and hence need DNA profile for submission of proposal. Thus, this experiment will be useful
for authenticity of identification proposal and can meet the basic requirements of proposal
submission.

Objective: DNA profiling of advanced hybrid entries of pearl millet using SSR markers.

Plant material: Young leaf samples of 2-3 leaf stage of identified/advanced hybrid entries.

Methodology
 DNA isolation will be done using CTAB method.
 DNA fingerprinting using SSR markers.

Plant material: Young leaf samples of 2-3 leaf stage of drought/heat tolerant genotypes.

Methodology
 DNA isolation will be done using CTAB method.
 Molecular characterization using SSR markers.

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PLAN OF WORK 2022-23 FOR CROP PRODUCTION

(AGRONOMY)
Chairman : Dr. R.K. Pannu
Ex. Dean & Prof. Emeritus, CCS HAU, Hisar –cum- PAMC Expert
Dr. D.C. Upreti
Ex. Pr. Scientist, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi –cum- PAMC Expert
Rapporteur : Dr. Anil Kumar, Principal Scientist (Agronomy), Bajra
Section, CCS HAU, Hisar
Dr. Minakshi Grover, Principal Scientist, Division of Microbiology,
ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Date : 02nd March, 2022 & 29th April, 2022

The virtual meeting was held under the guidance of PAMC expert committee members with
regard to finalization of technical programme for crop production group. The house was of
the view that before finalization of the one new experiment on Organic Farming or Natural
Farming especially on Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), it was decided that a separate
meeting of the Agronomists may be called under the chairmanship of Dr. R.K. Pannu & Dr.
D.C. Upreti and then new trial will be finalized after the thorough discussion in the meeting.
It was also decided that Plant Physiologist should plan out some experiments out in
association with Agronomists. All the Six experiments conducted during previous year will
continue and one New Trial is formulated and will be finalized later in the Agronomist meet.
As per the decision taken during the virtual meeting, a separate online meeting was hold to
finalize the T.P. of Agronomy and Plant Physiology for 2022-23 on 29.04.2022 under the
chairmanship of Dr. R. K. Pannu. The chairman impressed upon to work on the priorities area
viz. to evolve climatic resilient and nutrient efficient varieties/hybrids, moisture and resource
conservation crop production technologies. As per the decision taken one new experiment on
Organic and Natural Farming was finalized after thorough discussion among the Agronomist
across different centers. The Plant Physiology technical programme was also finalized. The
chairman again asked all the scientists to record all the observations especially on nutrient
mining and moisture conservation.

The details are given in the Plan of work for 2022-23.

Agronomy Experiments to be continued during 2022-23

PMAT 1 : Response of pearl millet advance hybrids and/or populations to different
levels of nitrogen.
PMAT 2 : Moisture conservation through polymers and crop residues under rainfed
conditions.
PMAT 3 : Enhancing biofortified/non- biofortified pearl millet hybrids productivity
and quality through micronutrients under irrigated situation
PMAT 4 : Contribution of production factors to the yield and economics of pearl
millet.
PMAT 5 : Effect of tillage and nutrient management systems on pearl millet yield and
soil properties
PMAT 6 : Response of pearl millet to split application of nitrogen at different growth
stages under irrigated condition
New Experiment
PMAT 7 : Productivity of Pearl millet-Mustard/Chickpea cropping sequence as
influenced by organic and natural farming.

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AGRONOMY - TECHNICAL PROGRAMME FOR 2022-23

PMAT 1 :
Response of pearl millet advance hybrids and/or populations to
different levels of nitrogen
Objective : To study the response of advance hybrid and population entries to nitrogen
application.
a) Performance of advance hybrids or populations to nitrogen levels in Zone A1
Nitrogen levels (4) : 0, 20, 40 & 60 kg N/ha
Hybrids (1+4 check) : MH 2553, MH 2555, HHB 67 (Imp.) (c), MPMH 21 (c), RHB 223
(c) & RHB 177 (c)
Design : Split plot (Nitrogen in main plot and entries in sub-plots)
Replications : Three
Plot size
Gross : 5.00 m x 4.00 m
Net : 4.00 m x 3.60 m
Locations : Bikaner and Mandor

b) Response of advance late hybrid entries to nitrogen levels

Nitrogen levels (4) : 0, 30, 60 & 90 kg N/ha
Hybrids (1+4 checks) : MH 2577, MH 2580, 86M86 (c), KBH 108(c) & MP 7792 (c)
Design : Split plot (Nitrogen in main plot and entries in sub-plots)
Replication : Three
Plot size
Gross : 5.00 m x 4.00 m
Net : 4.00 m x 3.60 m
Locations : Jaipur, Hisar, Jamnagar and New Delhi (Zone A)

c) Performance of advance summer hybrids to nitrogen levels

Nitrogen levels (4) : 0, 60, 90 & 120 kg N/ha
Hybrids (2+3check) : MSH 371, MSH 373 & MSH 377, Nandi 75 (c), 86M64 (c), MP
7366 & Proagro 9444 (c)
Design : Split plot (Nitrogen in main plot and entries in sub-plots)
Replication : Three
Plot size
Gross : 5.00 m x 4.00 m
Net : 4.00 m x 3.60 m
Locations : S. K. Nagar, Jamnagar, Aurangabad and Dhule

Observations to be recorded
1. Plant population (final) in thousands/ha
2. Plant height (cm)
3. Days to 50% flowering
4. Total number of tillers/plant

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5. Effective number of tillers/plant

6. Test weight (g)
7. Grain yield (q/ha)
8. Dry fodder yield (q/ha)
Note: Chemical analysis of the properties of the soil (pH, EC, organic carbon and available
NPK) before sowing of the crop.

PMAT 2 : Moisture conservation through polymers and crop residues under rainfed
conditions
Objective : To find out the effect of polymers and crop residues on the productivity,
water use efficiency and microbial count of pearl millet.
Year of Start : 2020
Treatment T1 : Control (RDF)
T2 : T1+Crop residue mulch @ 5.0 t/ha after 10-15 DAS
T3 : T1+ Pusa Hydrogel dry application @ 5.0 kg/ha
T4 : T1+ SPG 1118 dry application @ 5.0 kg/ha
T5 : T1+ Pusa Hydrogel slurry application @ 5.0 kg/ha
T6 : T1+ SPG 1118 slurry application @ 5.0 kg/ha
T7 : T3+ Crop residue mulch @ 5.0 t/ha after 10-15 DAS
T8 : T4+ Crop residue mulch @ 5.0 t/ha after 10-15 DAS
T9: T5+ Crop residue mulch @ 5.0 t/ha after 10-15 DAS
T10: T6+ Crop residue mulch @ 5.0 t/ha after 10-15 DAS
Locations : Bikaner & Mandor (Zone A1)
Jaipur, Hisar, Jamnagar and New Delhi (Zone A)
Aurangabad, Dhule, Vijayapur & Coimbatore (Zone B)
Note : Pusa Hydrogel & SPG 1118 will be supplied by IARI, New Delhi
Entries : MPMH 17
Design : RBD
Replication : Three
Treatment : Ten
Plot size :
Gross : 5.00 m x 4.00 m
Net : 4.00 m x 3.60 m
Observations to be recorded
1. Plant population (final) in thousands/ha
2. Plant height (cm)
3. Total number of tillers/plant
4. Effective number of tillers/plant
5. Test weight (g)
6. Grain yield (q/ha)
7. Dry fodder yield (q/ha)
8. Microbial activities (MBC, Dehydrogenase, Alkaline phosphatase, Urease activities)*
9. Soil moisture content at 0-15,15-30,30-60 & 60-90 cm soil depth before sowing and
at 20 days interval up to harvesting of the crop.
10. Cosumptive use (cm) & Water use efficiency (kg/ha-mm)

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11. Economics of the treatments [Gross Returns (Rs/ha), Net returns (Rs/ha) & B:C ratio]
*At Mandor & New Delhi
Note: Chemical analysis of the properties of the soil (pH, EC, organic carbon and available
NPK) before sowing & after harvesting of the crop.

PMAT 3: Enhancing biofortified/non- biofortified pearl millet hybrids productivity

and quality through micronutrients under irrigated situation
Objective : To find out the effect of micronutrients on the crop growth, productivity,
quality and economics of biofortified pearl millet under irrigated condition.
Year of start : 2021
A. Main plot : Hybrids
V1 : MPMH 17
V2 : HHB 299
B. Sub plot : Micronutrient Management
T1 : Control
T2 : Soil application ZnSO4 @ 25 kg/ha
T3 : 0.5% ZnSO4 Foliar spray at 20-25 DAS
T4 : Soil application FeSO4 @ 20 kg/ha
T5 : 0.5% FeSO4 Foliar spray at tillering stage (20-25 DAS)
T6 : 0.5% MnSO4 Foliar spray at tillering stage (20-25 DAS)
T7 : 0.2% CuSO4 Foliar spray at tillering stage (20-25 DAS)
T8 : 0.2% Borax Foliar spray at tillering stage (20-25 DAS)
T9 : ZnSO4 (25 kg/ha) + FeSO4 (20 kg/ha) + 0.2 % Borax
Note: RDF will be applied of the respective zones under irrigated situations to all the
treatments.
Locations : Bikaner & Mandor (Zone A1)
Jaipur, Hisar, Jamnagar and New Delhi (Zone A)
Aurangabad, Dhule, Vijayapur & Coimbatore (Zone B)
Entries : HHB 299
Design : SPD
Replication : Three
Treatment : Eighteen
Plot size :
Gross : 5.00 m x 4.00 m
Net : 4.00 m x 3.60 m

Observations to be recorded
1. Plant population (final) in thousands/ha
2. Plant height (cm)
3. Total number of tillers/plant
4. Effective number of tillers/plant
5. Test weight (g)
6. Grain yield (q/ha)
7. Dry fodder yield (q/ha)
8. Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu and B content in plant and grain at harvest
9. Economics of the treatments [Gross Returns (Rs/ha), Net returns (Rs/ha) & B:C ratio]

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Note: Chemical analysis of the properties of the soil (pH, EC, organic carbon and available
NPK before sowing) and Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu and B content before sowing & after harvesting of
the crop.

PMAT 4: Contribution of production factors to the yield and economics of pearl millet

Objective: To study the quantification of individual production factors of management

towards productivity and economics in the pearl millet crop.

Year of Start: kharif 2021

Treatment details:
T1 : Full package & practices of the location [(RDF+ ZnSO4 @ 25 kg/ha+ FeSO4 @ 0.5-
0.75% at 20-25 DAS + bioinoculant seed treatment (Azoteeka/as per availabilty) +
thinning & gap filling + weeding & hoeing (3 & 5 Weeks after sowing)+ Irrigation]
T2 : T1- RDF
T3 : T1- ZnSO4 @ 25 kg/ha
T4 : T1- FeSO4 @ 0.5-0.75% at 20-25 DAS
T5 : T1- bioinoculant seed treatment (Azoteeka)
T6 : T1- thinning & gap filling
T7 : T1- weeding & hoeing (3 & 5 Weeks after sowing)
T8 : T1- Irrigation
Note: RDF will be applied of respective state under irrigated condition. Full P&K as basal
will be applied at sowing time
Locations : Bikaner & Mandor (Zone A1)
Jaipur, Hisar, Jamnagar and New Delhi (Zone A)
Aurangabad, Dhule, Vijayapur & Coimbatore (Zone B)
Hybrid : Popular high yielding hybrid of the location
Design : RBD
Replication : Three
Treatment : 8
Plot size :
Gross : 5.00 m x 4.00 m
Net : 4.00 m x 3.60 m

Observations to be recorded
1. Plant population (final) in thousands/ha
2. Plant height (cm)
3. Total number of tillers/plant
4. Effective number of tillers/plant
5. Test weight (g)
6. Grain yield (q/ha)
7. Dry fodder yield (q/ha)
8. Economics of the treatments [Gross Returns (Rs/ha), Net returns (Rs/ha) & B:C ratio]
Note: Chemical analysis of the properties of the soil (pH, EC, organic carbon and available
NPK before sowing.

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PMAT 5: Effect of tillage and nutrient management systems on pearl millet yield and
soil properties
Objective : To study the effect of different tillage manipulations and nutrient
management practices on the productivity, water use efficiency, physico-
chemical and Energy analysis in pearl millet crop.
Year of Start : 2020
Treatment : A. Main Plot ( Tillage practices)
1. Conventional tillage (Two harrow + one cultivator and planking
+ Two Inter culture operations by kasola/wheel hand hoe/power
weeder at 15-20 &30-35 DAS)
2. Conventional tillage (Two harrow + one cultivator and planking
+ One Inter culture operations by kasola/wheel hand hoe/power
weeder at 21-28 DAS)
3. Minimum tillage (One harrow + One cultivator and planking +
Two Inter culture operations kasola/wheel hand hoe/power
weeder at 15-20 & 30-35 DAS)
4. Minimum tillage (One harrow + One cultivator and planking
One Inter culture operations by kasola/wheel hand hoe/power
weeder between 21-28 DAS
B. Sub Plot (Nutrient supply)
I. 100% RDF of the Zones
II. 75 % N through RDF + 2.5 t/ha FYM
III. 50 % N through RDF + 5.0 t/ha through FYM
IV. 100% N through FYM
RDF : (40 kg N/ha + 20 Kg P2O5) for Zone A1 & A
(60 kg N/ha + 30 Kg P2O5) for Zone B
Locations Bikaner & Mandor (Zone A1)
: Jaipur, Hisar, Jamnagar and New Delhi (Zone A)
Aurangabad, Dhule, Vijayapur & Coimbatore (Zone B)
Entries : MPMH 17/ Latest Recommended Hybrid for the State
Design : SPD
Replication : Three
Treatment : 16
Plot size
Gross : 5.0 m x 4.5 m
Net : 4.0 m x 3.6 m
Observations to be recorded
1. Plant population (Initial & final) in thousands/ha
2. Plant height (cm)
3. Total number of tillers/plant
4. Effective number of tillers/plant
5. Test weight (g)
6. Grain yield (q/ha)
7. Dry fodder yield (q/ha)

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8. Soil moisture content at 0-15,15-30,30-60 & 60-90 cm soil depth before sowing and
at 20 days interval up to harvesting of the crop.
9. Cosumptive use (mm) & Water use efficiency (kg/ha-mm)
10. Energy Input & Output Analysis (MJ/ha)
11. Economics of the treatments [Gross Returns (Rs/ha), Net returns (Rs/ha) & B:C ratio]

Note: Physico-chemical properties of the soil (Bulk Density, pH, EC, organic carbon and
available NPK before and after harvesting of the crop)

PMAT 6: Response of pearl millet to split application of nitrogen at different growth stages
under irrigated condition
Objectives:
1) To study crop growth and productivity in response to split application of urea at
different stages
2) To find out optimum time of urea application for higher grain yield in pearl millet.
3) To work out the economics of different management practices.

Year of Start: kharif 2021

Treatment details:
A. Main plot: Nutrient management
N1 – 100 % RDN
N2 – 112.5% RDN
N3 – 125 % RDN
B. Sub plot: Nitrogen split application
S1: Entire dose of N at sowing
S2: 50% N at sowing + 50% N at tillering (20-25 DAS)
S3: 50% N at sowing + 50% N at boot stage (35-40 DAS)
S4: N will be applied in three splits (25% basal), 50% at tillering (20-25 DAS) and 25% at
boot stage (35-40 DAS);
Note: RDN will be applied of respective state under irrigated condition. P&K as per zone
recommendation under irrigated condition will be applied as basal.
Locations : Bikaner & Mandor (Zone A1)
Jaipur, Hisar, Jamnagar and New Delhi (Zone A)
Aurangabad, Dhule, Vijayapur & Coimbatore (Zone B)
Hybrid : HHB 299
Design : SPD
Replication : Four
Treatment : 12
Plot size
Gross : 5.00 m x 4.00 m
Net : 4.00 m x 3.60 m

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Observations to be recorded
1. Plant population (final) in thousands/ha
2. Plant height (cm)
3. Total number of tillers/plant
4. Effective number of tillers/plant
5. Test weight (g)
6. Grain yield (q/ha)
7. Dry fodder yield (q/ha)
8. Available N,P & K (kg/ha) in soil before sowing and after harvesting
9. N, P & K content (%) & their uptake (kg/ha) in plant and grain at harvest
10. Protein content (%) in grain
11. Economics of the treatments [Gross Returns (Rs/ha), Net returns (Rs/ha) & B:C]
Note: Chemical analysis of the properties of the soil (pH, EC, organic carbon & available
NPK before sowing of the expertiment.

New Experiment
PMAT-7 Productivity of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br. Emend. Stuntz]-
Mustard/ Chickpea cropping sequence as influenced by organic and natural
farming.
Objectives 1. To evaluate the effect of organic and natural farming on productivity and
quality of pearl millet and mustard/chickpea crops.
2. To study the impact of organic and natural farming on soil properties and
microbial counts.
3. To find out the relationship among yield and soil properties.
Year of Start 2022
Treatment details:

T1 Control
T2 RDN* through Farm yard manure (FYM)
T3 RDN through Vermicompost (VC)
T4 RDN through Poultry manure(PM) for Zone A &B / *Sheep or Goat manure for Zone A1
T5 RDN through FYM+ Biofertilizer
T6 RDN through Vermicompost+ Biofertilizer
T7 RDN through Poultry manure + Biofertilizer
T8 *** Cow based bio formulation
T9 RDF**
*RDN or **RDF /ha for irrigated pearl millet & Mustard/ Chickpea crops of respective
Zones along with P, K & ZnSO4/FeSO4 in RDF treatment will be applied.
Locations : Bikaner & Mandor (Zone A1)
Jaipur, Hisar, Jamnagar, Jammu and New Delhi (Zone A)
Aurangabad, Dhule, Vijayapur, Perumallapalle & Coimbatore (Zone B)

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1. Biofertilizer will be used as seed treatment for respective crops.

***250 kg/ha Cow Urine Based Solid Organic bio-Formulation (CUBSOF)/ha before
sowing along with sieved dry FYM @ 250 kg/ha will be applied into the soil before sowing
and Cow Urine Based Liquid Organic bio-Formulation (CUBLOF) @ 500 litre/ha with
irrigation water or foliar spray of 10 % will be applied two times at 15-20 & 35-40 DAS
during the crop season.

2. Analysis of FYM, VC and PM/Sheep or Goat manure for total N (%)

Variety Best performing Latest hybrid /varieties of Pearl millet, Mustard or Chickpea of
the locations.
Design RBD
Replications Three
Plot size 4.0 m x 3.6m
Observations to be recorded
1. The moisture content in the Organic manure sources at the time of application should be
compensated with higher dose in that proportion of moisture content.
2. Collection of soil samples (0-15 cm) for their analysis of soil pH, EC, SOC, available N,
P, K, S and DTPA-extractable Zn & Fe (before sowing and after harvesting)
3. Analysis of bacterial count in soil samples (before sowing and after harvesting)
4. Pearl millet: Plant height (cm), Number of total and effective tillers/ plant, Ear head
length (cm), Ear head girth (mm) and Test weight (g)
5. Mustard: Number of Primary & Secondary Branches, Number of siliquae/plant, No. of
seeds/siliqua, test weight (g)
6. Chickpea: Number of Primary & Secondary Branches, Number of pods/plant, no. of
grains/pod, test weight (g)
7. Grain and straw yield (q/ha) of both the crops
8. Protein content in pearl millet/ chickpea & Oil content (%) in mustard
Note : The experiment will have to be conducted on a permanent site for at least 3-4
years.

Composition of 250 kg/ha Cow Urine Based Solid Organic bio-Formulation

(CUBSOF)/ha: Take 250 kg desi cow dung+2.5 kg Jaggery+ 5.0 kg Gram Flour
(Arhar/Chickpea/Moong/Urd)+ Two handful of soil near to tree of that field + 5.0 litre cow
urine. Mix all these components and dry it under shade. Make it into powder form by beating
with stick. Mix it with sieved dry FYM @ 250 kg/ha and apply into the soil before sowing.

Composition of 500 litre/ha or @ 10% as foliar spray of Cow Urine Based Liquid
Organic bio-Formulation (CUBLOF): Take 25 kg desi cow dung+ 25 litre cow urine +5.0
kg/ha Jaggery+ 5.0 kg Gram Flour ( Arhar/Chickpea/Moong/Urd)+ Two handful of soil near
to tree of that field + 500 litre water. Mix all these components into a plastic drum and stir
daily for 2 times in the morning & evening for 2-3 minutes for 2-3 days. Cover the plastic
drum with some cover or cloth.

The meeting ended with thanks to the Chairman as well as Project Coordinator. All the
members strongly applauded Dr. R. K. Pannu for publication of two books on Fundamentals
of Agronomy in both English & Hindi versions. The house also acknowledged the all round
help and support received from Dr. Tara Satyavathi.

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PLAN OF WORK 2022-23 FOR PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

The technical program of plant physiology has been reformulated as per suggestions of Dr.
D.C. Uprety, Ex. Principal Scientist, Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
and PAMC Experts. He gave various suggestions for reformation of technical program and
they also agreed to continue same technical program. A new trial (PMPHY5-Agro-
physiological management of the drought in Pearl millet genotypes) was also formulated in
collaboration with Agronomy discipline as per suggestions received form DDG (CS) ADG
(FFC) and PAMC experts after conducting an online meeting on 29th April, 2022 in
collaboration with Agronomy discipline under chairmanship of Dr. R.K. Pannu, Ex-Dean,
CCS HAU, Hisar.

PMPHY 2 : Characterization for drought tolerance to identify parental lines of

(a &b) pearl millet suitable for kharif and summer cultivation
Objectives : To identify heat tolerant donor parents for hybrid and population
development in pearl millet
Year of Commencement : 2014
Modified as per suggestion of the expert Dr. D.C. Uprety,
Ex. Principal Scientist, Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-
IARI, New Delhi during 55th online AGM on 29th April,
2021.
Locations : Summer : Jamnagar and Mandor
Kharif : Jamnagar, Jaipur and Mandor
Conditions Summer : Irrigated (PMPHYa)
Kharif : Rainfed (PMPHYb)
Treatment : 20 inbred (R lines and B lines)
Design : RBD
Replication : Three
Spacing : 50 cm X 10 cm (Summer) , 60 cm X 10 cm (Kharif)
Plot size : 4 Rows of 4 M length
Fertilizer : As per PoP

Observations:
1. Chlorophyll content at anthesis and 65 DAS
2. Relative water content (RWC) at anthesis and 65 DAS
3. Seed setting %
4. Panicle initiation
5. Days to 50% flowering
6. Grain yield (kg/ha)
7. Productive tillers/plant
8. Test weight (g) (1000 grains)
9. Threshing percentage (Panicle harvest Index)
10. Fodder yield (q/ha)
11. Harvest index (%)
12. Days to Maturity
13. Ear head weight (kg/ha)
14. Soil temperature (0C)
15. Air Temperature (0C)

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PMPHY 3 : To study the photosynthate partitioning & remobilization in pearl

millet under rain-fed condition
Year of Commencement: 2019, As per the QRT and Dr. C. Viswanathan, HoD,
Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
suggestions during 54th AGM.
Location : Jaipur, Jamnagar and Mandor
Season : Kharif
Treatment : Six genotypes, released hybrids and varieties (Pusa composite 443,
MPMH 17, MPMH 21, RHB 177, AHB 1200 & Pusa composite 612)
Design : RBD
Replication : Three
Spacing : 60 X 10-15 cm
Plot size : 2 Rows of 5 M length
Fertilizer : AS per PoP

Methodology
Tag ten similar plants, Biomass sampling at anthesis (Record height of the plant; Record dry
weight of stem, leaf & panicle separately of whole plant. 10 samples per treatment), Biomass
sampling at physiological maturity (Record height of the plant; Record dry weight of stem,
leaf, panicle, grains separately; HI use only main shoot, 10 samples per treatment)
Observations:
At Anthesis
1. Plant height (cm)
2. Dry weight of stem (g)
3. Leaf dry weght (g)
4. Ear head weight (g)
At Physiological maturity
1. Plant height (Main stem)
2. Dry weight of stem (g)
3. Leaf dry weight (g)
4. Ear head weight (g)
5. Grain yield (g)
6. Panicle harvest index (PNHI)
7. Harvest index (HI)

PMPHY 4: Identification of physiological traits for drought tolerance in pearl millet

Objectives : To identify drought tolerant traits in pearl millet
Year of Commencement : 2020
Modified as per suggestion of the expert Dr. D.C. Uprety,
Ex. Principal Scientist, Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-
IARI, New Delhi during 55th online AGM on 29th April,
2020.

Location : Mandor, Jaipur and Jamnagar

Season : Field (Kharif)

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Replication : Three
Design : RBD
Genotypes : (Released hybrids of A and A1 zone of India)

Methodology:

Tag five similar plants, Biomass sampling at 30 DAS (Record Chlorophyll content, height of
the plant, number of leaf, number of tillers, dry weight of stem, leaf & panicle separately of
whole plant - five samples per treatment), Biomass sampling 45 DAS (Record Chlorophyll
content, height of the plant, number of leaf, number of tillers, dry weight of stem, leaf &
panicle separately of whole plant - five samples per treatment), 60 DAS (Record Chlorophyll
content, height of the plant, number of leaf, number of tillers, dry weight of stem, leaf &
panicle separately of whole plant - five samples per treatment) and at maturity (Record
Chlorophyll content, height of the plant, number of leaf, number of tillers, dry weight of
stem, leaf & panicle, Grain yield separately of whole plant - five samples per treatment).

At 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS

1. Chlorophyll content (mg/g f.wt)
2. height of the plant cm)
3. Number of leaf
4. Number of tillers
5. Dry weight of stem (g)
6. Dry weight of leaf (g)
7. Dry weight of panicle (g)
At Physiological maturity
1. Chlorophyll content (mg/g f.wt)
2. Number of leaf
3. Number of tillers
4. Dry weight of stem (g)
5. Dry weight of leaf (g)
6. Dry weight of panicle (g)
7. Dry weight of era head weight (g)
8. Grain yield (g)
9. Panicle harvest index (PNHI %)
10. Harvest index (HI %)
11. Crop growth rate (CGR per unit land area per unit time)
12. Relative growth rate (RGR gg-1 day-1 or gg-1 week)

PMPHY 5: Agro-physiological management of the drought in Pearl millet genotypes

(Released hybrids and varieties of A1 zone of India)
Year of Commencement : 2022

Location : Mandor, Durgapura (Jaipur) and Jamnagar

(Dr. Seema Sharma, Associate Professor (Agronomy) will conduct this trial at Durgapura
centre, Jaipur)
Season : Kharif
Replication : Three
Design : RBD

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Treatment : A) Factor
1. Control
2. Seed priming with water with ratio1/2 for 6 hr
3. Seed priming with ABA 150 ppm for 6 hrs
4. Seed priming with KNO3 0.5% for 6 hrs
5. Seed priming with KNO3 0.5% for 6 hrs + Spray of KNO3 @ 1%
at panicle initiation
6. Seed priming with salicylic acids 200 mg/L SA for 6 hrs
7. Spray of thiourea @ 1000 ppm at tillering stage and panicle
initiation
8. Spray of KNO3 @ 1% at tillering and panicle initiation

B) factor- Genotypes
(Released hybrids / varieties of A1 zone of India)
I. MPMH 21, II. BHB 1602, III. MPMH 35

Design : FRBD
Replication : Three
Spacing : 45 cm X 15 cm
Plot size : 6 Rows (Gross plot size 2.7X 4.5 M)
4 Rows (Net plot size 1.8 X 3.5 m)
Fertilizer : As per PoP
( Also required soil nutrient status and moisture level )

Observations
A- Biomass partitioning at different stages
At 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS and 75 DAS
1. Chlorophyll content (mg/g f.wt)
2. RWC
3. Number of leaf
4. Leaf area Index
5. Number of tillers
6. Dry weight of stem (g)
7. Dry weight of leaf (g)
8. Dry weight of panicle (g)
9. Dry weight of era head weight (g)
10. Grain yield (g)
11. Panicle harvest index (PNHI %)
12. Harvest index (HI %)
13. Crop growth rate (CGR per unit land area per unit time)
14. Relative growth rate (RGR gg-1 day-1 or gg-1 week)
15. NAR
16. Transpiration cooling
B- Yield Observations:
1. Seed setting %
2. Days to 50% flowering
3. Days to maturity

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4. Grain yield (kg/ha)

5. Productive tillers/plant
6. Test weight (g)
7. Threshing percentage
8. Fodder yield (q/ha)
9. Harvest index (%)
10. Days to Maturity
11. Ear head weight (kg/ha)
12. Nutrient uptake Seed and straw

PMPHY 7 : Identification of heat stress tolerance in pearl millet genotype at

seedling stage in pearl millet
Objectives : i. To identify heat stress tolerance mechanism in pearl millet at
seedling stage.
ii. To identify physiological parameters for identification of heat
stress tolerance mechanism in pearl millet

Year of Commencement : 2017

Modified in 2019 during 54th AGM by Dr. C. Viswanathan,
HoD, Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Location : Jaipur and Mandor
Season : Laboratory trial (Kharif)
In the Field also ( kharif) Rain fed
Entries : Study material : Parental line(A and B lines) of pearl millet (15-20)
Replication : Three
Design : CRD
Temperature : Three temperature treatments 20 DAS ( 40 Ċ for 4 hours,44 Ċ for 4
hours and 46 Ċ for 2 hours

Observations:
Growth parameters – 22 DAS
1. Shoot length(cm)
2. Root length(cm)
3. Shoot dry weight(mg)
4. Root dry weight (mg))
5. Root -shoot ratio
6. seedling vigour index
Physiological parameters
1. RWC
2. Membrane stability index
3. Pigment content (chlorophyll content (mg/g f.wt)),
4. Chlorophyll stability index
Field observation at 15, 22 and 30 DAS
1. RWC
2. Membrane stability index
3. Pigment content (chlorophyll content),
4. Chlorophyll stability index

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PLAN OF WORK OF PLANT PATHOLOGY (2022-23)

Chairman Dr. P. Raghava Reddy, Chairman, PAMC
Co-chairs Dr. H.S. Shekhar Shetty, Ex Professor, Downy Mildew Research Lab,
Univ. of Mysore, Mysore
Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, PC, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur
Rapporteurs Dr. Chandra Nayaka, UOM,Mysore
Date 2nd March, 2022
 ANAND Centre (Zone A) wishes to not to conduct PMPT trails, hence the centre
was not included in the year 2022-23 for pathological trials.

The group decided to continue the same experiments under:

PMPT I: Disease screening trial of Initial Pearl Millet Hybrids and Varieties.
PMPT II: Disease screening trial of Advanced Pearl Millet Hybrids and Varieties.
PMPT III: Monitoring disease resistance stability of released popular hybrid/varieties.

Downy Mildew :
Location Zone A & A1
Mandor, Jaipur, Hisar, Gwalior and Jamnagar
Zone B
Mysore, Aurangabad, Dhule, Coimbatore and Patancheru
Smut
Location : Zone A & A1
Jaipur, Jamnagar, Hisar and Gwalior
Zone B
Dhule
Blast
Location : Zone A & A1
Jaipur, Jamnagar, Mandore, Gwalior, Hisar and New Delhi (PMPT-
II)
: Zone B
Dhule, Aurangabad and Mysore

Rust
Location : Zone A & A1
Jaipur, Jamnagar, Hisar and Gwalior
Zone B
Aurangabad, Dhule, Mysore and Coimbatore

Ergot
Location : Zone A & A1
Jaipur
Zone B
Aurangabad, Dhule and Coimbatore

Note- Minimum 70% of diseases incidence should be there on IR-I, IR-2 at the locations to
score at 30DAS or 60 DAS, otherwise the data for that centre and stage will be rejected and
not included in the report.

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PMPT IV: Pearl millet downy mildew virulence nursery (PMDMVN).

Pathogenic diversity analysis by virulence nursery

Location : Zone A& A1
Mandor, Jaipur, Hisar, Gwalior and Jamnagar
: Zone B
Mysore, Aurangabad,Dhule, Coimbatore and Patancheru

PMPT V: Pearl millet blast variability nursery (PMBVN)

Location : Zone A & A1
Gwalior, Anand, Mandor, Jamnagar, Hisar, New Delhi, and Jaipur
Zone B
Dhule, Aurangabad, Mysore, Patancheru and Vijayanagaram

PMPT VI: Basic and strategic research: (Mysore)

a) Biochemical and molecular characterization of host pathogen interaction of blast and
downy mildew system
b) Unravelling the pearl milletmicrobiome –Rhizosphere and Root microbiome

PMPT VII: New Experiment: Management of downy mildew and blast disease by using
microbial consortia for the year 2022-2023.

PMPT VIII: Monitoring of Pearl Millet diseases at Farmers’ fields: All AICRP on Pearl
millet centres in their respective zones

PMPT IX: Disease screening trial of pearl millet hybrids in summer Locations:
Jamnagar, Dhule and Coimbatore
The criteria for the acceptability of new genotypes for diseases, the following criteria
finalized for the year2022-2023.

 Downy mildew: Up to 5% downy mildew incidence under sick plot condition must
be considered for varietalpromotion.
 Blast: group decided to submit the data using 0-9 scale. Score up to 3 for blast be
considered for promotion of genotypes i.e., varietal promotion under the category of
blast resistant. The blast screening under artificial inoculation at seedling stage
/infector row system (ICMB 95444).
 Smut: Up to 20% smut severity under artificial inoculation to the flower must be
considered for varietal promotion.
 Ergot: Up to 20% ergot severity under artificial inoculation to the flowermust be
considered for varietal promotion.
 Rust: Rust severity under artificial inoculation at flowering stage and during hard
dough stage data should be recorded (% leaf area of upper four leaves). Rust score
up to 20% can be considered for promotion.

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Disease Screening Trials

Following procedures should be adopted to conduct the disease screening trials
I. Downy Mildew: Downy mildew sick plot using infector rowssystem (seed should not
be treated with fungicide)
II. Smut and Ergot: to be inoculate dartificially to the flower
III. Rust: artificial inoculation to flowering stage
IV. Blast: Artificial inoculation at seedling stage/Infector row system

**The group decided that all the Centres should record incidence of downy mildew,
blast and rust in PMPT I, II, &III entries from 2022-2023 onwards.
Smut: Jaipur, Jamnagar, Hisar and Gwalior (Zone A) and Dhule (Zone B)
Ergot: Jaipur (Zone A) and Aurangabad, Dhule and Coimbatore (Zone B)

PMPT I: Disease screening trial of Initial Pearl Millet Hybrids and Varieties.
PMPT II: Disease screening trial of Advanced Pearl Millet Hybrids and Varieties.
PMPT III: Monitoring disease resistance stability of released popular hybrid/varieties.

Downy Mildew
Location : Zone A & A1
Mandor, Jaipur, Hisar, Gwalior and Jamnagar
Zone B
Mysore, Aurangabad, Dhule, Coimbatore and Patancheru
(PMPT-II)
Smut
Location : Zone A & A1
Jaipur, Jamnagar, Hisar and Gwalior
Zone B
Dhule
Blast
Location : Zone A & A1
Jaipur, Jamnagar, Mandore, Gwalior, Hisar and New Delhi (PMPT-
II)
: Zone B
Dhule, Aurangabad and Mysore
Rust
Location : Zone A & A1
Jaipur, Jamnagar, Hisar and Gwalior
Zone B
Aurangabad, Dhule and Coimbatore
Ergot
Location : Zone A & A1
Jaipur
Zone B
Aurangabad, Dhule and Coimbatore

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PMPT IV: Pearl millet downy mildew virulence nursery (PMDMVN).

Pathogenic diversity analysis by virulence nursery
Location : Zone A & A1
Mandor, Jaipur, Hisar, Gwalior and Jamnagar
: Zone B
Mysore, Aurangabad, Dhule, Coimbatore and Patancheru
PMPT V: Pearl millet blast variability nursery (PMBVN)
Location : Zone A & A1
Gwalior, Anand, Mandor, Jamnagar, Hisar, New Delhi and Jaipur
Zone B
Dhule, Aurangabad, Mysore, Patancheru and Vijayanagaram

PMPT VI: Basic and strategic research:

a) Biochemical and molecular characterization of host pathogen interaction of blast and
downy mildew system
b) Unravelling the pearl millet microbiome –Rhizosphere and Root microbiome
c) Mapping of blast and downy mildew resistance QTLs in new stable donor parents

Location : Mysore & ICRISAT

PMPT VII: Management of downy mildew and blast disease by Microbial consortia -
Seed treatment & Soil Treatment @ 10 ml/lt
(Seed treatment before sowing/ Soil treatment after 15 DAS by Soil drenching Method)
Treatments:
a) Microbial Consortia (Combination of 3 microbes: Trichoderma/Bacillus/Pseudomonas)
(Aurangabad centre will supply)
b) Microbial Consortia (Combination of 4 microbes:
Mycorhiza/PSB/Pseudomonas/Trichoderma)
(Mysore centre will supply)
c) Metalaxyl 35SD (6g/Kg)
d) Control
Replication: 4 (4 rows in 4 meter length)
Observation to be recorded:
a) Seedling emergence
b) Per cent Downy Mildew and Blast disease Incidence at 30 and 60DAS
c) Grain and Fodder Yield -Should be calculated per hectare
Location : Zone A& A1
Mandor, Jaipur, Hisar, Gwalior, Jamnagar
Zone B
Aurangabad, Dhule, Coimbatore, Mysore, Perumallapalle,
and Patancheru
Note: Observation of Blast disease should be recorded 30, 45 and 60 days and Downy
mildew 30 & 60 days after sowing in all the experiments.
a. BLAST DISEASE
(Experiment to be conducted as such in 2022)

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Treatments:
1. Seed treatment with Chitosan @3.75g/kg seed + 2 sprays of Pseudomonas fluorescens
@10g/lt after 20 DAE (days after emergence) and 35 DAE (Mysore Centre willsupply)
2. Seed treatment with Chitosan @3.75g/kg seed + 2 sprays of Bacillus subtilis @10g/lt
after 20 DAE and 35 DAE (Mysore Centre willsupply)
3. Spray treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens @10g/lt 20 DAEand Trifloxystrobin +
Tebuconazole @ 0.04% after 35 DAE (Mysore Centre willsupply)
4. Spray treatment with Trifloxystrobin + Tebuconazole @ 0.04% 20 DAEand Bacillus
subtilis @10g/lt after 35 DAE (Mysore Centre willsupply)
5. Trifloxystrobin + Tebuconazole @ 0.04% 2 sprays after 20 DAE and 35 DAE (Mandor
Centre will supply)
6. Control – Moderately susceptible cultivar (Mandor Centre will supply- Dhanashakti)

Replication: 4 (4 rows in 4 meter length)

Observation to be recorded:
a) Seedling emergence
b) Per cent blast disease severity at 30, 45 &60 DAS
c) Grain and Fodder Yield –Should be calculated per hectare
Location : Zone A& A1
Mandor, Jaipur, Hisar, Gwalior, Jamnagar
Zone B
Aurangabad, Dhule, Mysore and Patancheru, Vijayanagaram
Note:
1. Cultivar ICMB 95444 should be used as an indicator after each treatment
2. Observation of Blast disease should be recorded 30, 45 and 60 days and Downy
mildew should be recorded 30 & 60 days, in each treatment.
3. For blast disease severity should be recorded 0-9 scale and PDI should be calculated
4. The soft copy (CD) of the disease incidence of different genotypes of the respective
Centre should be recorded and as to submit along with annual report.
5. The coefficient of variation (CV) values of each experiment should be provided
for consideration for further analysis and interpretation of results.

PMPT VIII: Monitoring of Pearl Millet diseases at Farmers’ fields: All AICRP on Pearl
millet centres in their respective zones

Method: Record survey information by preparing chart listing farmers name, source of seed
samples/field number, location, cultivar/area, crop stage (F and SDS), disease
incidence/severity and Collect the infected leaves samples of highly susceptible cultivars of
downy mildew and blast samples for pathogen characterization.

PMPT IX: Disease screening trial of pearl millet hybrids in summer

Locations: Jamnagar, Dhule and Coimbatore

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PLAN OF WORK 2022-23 FOR ENTOMOLOGY

Chairman Dr. T. R. Sharma DDG (CS) ICAR, New Delhi
Co-chairs Dr. H.S. Sekhar Shetty, Ex Professor, Downy Mildew Research Lab
Univ. of Mysore, Mysore
Rapporteurs Prof. Rajkumar P. Juneja, Assistant Research Scientist (Entomology) & PI
Entomology, ICAR-AICRP-PM, JAU, Jamnagar
Date 2nd March, 2022

Significant findings/Achievements:
1 Out of 104 initial lines/populations screened, 25 entries were found moderate resistant
(0.1-5.0%) at ear head stage and they were viz., KBH 108, MH 2644, MH 2615, MH
2611, Kaveri S Boss, MH 2628, 86M86, MH 2617, MH 2621, MH 2657, MH 2591, MH
2592, MH 2609, MH 2626, MH 2650, MP 614, ABV 04, MH 2610, MP 615, MH 2645,
Pusa Comp. 701, MH 2616, MH 2603, MP 612 & MH 2648 against shoot fly.
2 Out of 42 advanced entries screened, 28 entries were found moderate resistant (0.1-5.0%)
at ear head stage and they were viz., Pusa Comp. 612 , MH 2559, GHB 538 , 86M86,
MH 2562, MH 2564, KBH 108, MH 2480, MH 2574, Raj 171, MP 609, PB 1705, Kaveri
Super Boss , Dhanshakti , MH 2580, MH 2581, ICMV 221, GHB 905, MH 2577, Pratap,
MH 2573, MH 2474, MH 2658, MH 2661, ABV 04 , MH 2555, MH 2660 & NBH 5767
against shoot fly.
3 Out of 235 germ plasm lines screened, the accession number, IP 2704 (ICRISAT) was
found to be free from shoot fly & stem borer at all the stages of the crop along with
Helicoverpa at ear head stage (Multiple resistance).
4 Out of 30 advanced entries screened, HHB 67 Imp., MH 2423, MH 2545, Dhanshakti,
MH 2543 & ICMV 221 were found to be promising against Tribolium sp at 6 months
during storage.
5 Out of 30 advanced entries screened, Pusa composite 383, Pusa composite 701, MH
2512, JBV 2, MH 2423, MH 2522, MH 2546, MH 2543, MH 2547, MH 2480, RHB 177,
MPMH 21, MP 596 & HHB 272 were promising against Rhizopertha dominica at 6
months during storage.
6 Correlation of shoot fly incidence with different weather parameters was worked out for
Jamnagar & Jaipur centre. On the basis of pooled data of last 5 years (2017-2021),
negative and highly significant correlation was observed with temperature minimum at
Jamnagar (-0.414**) and Jaipur (-0.413**) centre.
7 Correlation of stem borer with different weather parameters was worked out for
Jamnagar centre. On the basis of pooled data of last 5 years (2017-2021), negative and
highly significant correlation was observed with temperature minimum (-0.569**) at
Jamnagar centre.

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PLAN OF WORK/TECHNICAL PROGRAMME FOR KHARIF & SUMMER 2022-23

No. Expt. No. Title of the experiment Centres

1 PMET-1A Screening of different pearl millet lines Jamnagar & Jaipur

against major insect-pests
(Initial/population lines)
2 PMET-1B Screening of different pearl millet lines Jamnagar, ARS Mandor-
against major insect-pest (advanced lines) Jodhpur & Jaipur
3 PMET-1C Screening of pearl millet germ plasm Jamnagar
against major insect pests (Mini-core from
ICRISAT)
4 PMET-2 Monitoring of major insect-pests of pearl Jamnagar, Anand, ARS
millet (On Research Station) Mandor-Jodhpur, Jaipur,
Aurangabad, Vijayapur &
ARS Fatehpur-Shekhawati
(New centre)
5 PMET-3 Survey of insect- pests of kharif pearl millet Jamnagar, Anand, ARS
crop on farmers’ field Mandor-Jodhpur, Jaipur,
Aurangabad
6 PMET-5 Testing of IPM modules against pest Jamnagar, ARS Mandor-
complex of pearl millet Jodhpur & Jaipur
7 PMET-7 Survey of insect- pests of the summer pearl Jamnagar & Anand
millet crop on farmers’ field
7 PMET-8 Relative susceptibility of pearl millet Jamnagar, Anand,
advanced entries to storage insect pests Jaipur, Jodhpur (New centre)
(storage- trial), & Anantapur (New centre)
8 PMET-9 Monitoring of Fall Army Worm Jamnagar, Anand, ARS
(Spodoptera frugiperda) in Kharif pearl Mandor-Jodhpur, Jaipur,
millet Aurangabad & ARS Fatehpur-
Shekhawati (New centre).

Details of experiments to be conducted 2022-23

1. PMET-1A: Screening of pearl millet lines against major insect pests (Initial
lines/populations)

Objective/Target: To find out resistant/promising pearl millet material against major insect
pests.
Location: Jamnagar & Jaipur
Experimental details: Design: RBD, No of replications: 2, No. of rows: One
Row length: 4.0 m and Spacing: 50 x 15 cm. No. of entries: Initial & population lines to
be provided by PC unit.

Methodology: At vegetative stage (28 DAG), observations will be recorded from total plants
of net plot plants by counting the dead hearts. Thus, shoot fly dead heart percent incidence
will be worked out. For stem borer, plant showing parallel holes due to stem borer larvae in
the leaves will be considered as damaged plant and percent damaged plant will be calculated.
At ear head stage, number of ear heads showing shoot fly (deformed ear head) and stem borer
(empty/white ear head) damage will be recorded separately and thus percent ear head

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damage will be worked out from ear heads of total plants of net plot. Whereas, for
Helicoverpa armigera, the population of larvae will be counted from 5 ear heads of the
randomly selected. Leaf roller damage score (0-10) will be worked out on 5 plant basis at ear
head stage.
Observations to be recorded:
a. Shoot fly – Per cent infestation at 28 DAG (Vegetative stage) and ear head stage.
b. Stem borer – Per cent plant damage at 28 DAG (Vegetative stage) and at ear head
stage.
c. Helicoverpa larvae – Number of larvae/ 5 ear heads.
d. Leaf roller – Damage score (0-10) at ear head stage.

2. PMET-1B: Screening of pearl millet lines against major insect pests (Advance lines)

Objective/Target: To find out resistant/promising pearl millet material against major insect
pests.
Location: Jamnagar, Jaipur & ARS Mandor-Jodhpur
Experimental details: Design: RBD, No. of replications: 3, No. of rows: One
Row length: 4.0 m and Spacing: 50 x 15 cm. No. of entries: Advance Promising lines to
be provided by PC unit.

Methodology: At vegetative stage (28 DAG), observations will be recorded from total plants
of net plot plants by counting the dead hearts. Thus, shoot fly dead heart percent incidence
will be worked out. For stem borer, plant showing parallel holes due to stem borer larvae in
the leaves will be considered as damaged plant and percent damaged plant will be calculated.
At ear head stage, number of ear heads showing shoot fly (deformed ear head) and stem borer
(empty/white ear head) damage will be recorded separately and thus percent ear head
damage will be worked out from ear heads of total plants of net plot. Whereas, for
Helicoverpa armigera, the population of larvae will be counted from 5 ear heads of the
randomly selected. Leaf roller damage score (0-10) will be worked out on 5 plant basis at ear
head stage.

Observations to be recorded:
a. Shoot fly – Per cent infestation at 28 DAG (Vegetative stage) and ear head stage.
b. Stem borer – Per cent plant damage at 28 DAG (Vegetative stage) and at ear head
stage.
c. Helicoverpa larvae – Number of larvae/ 5 ear heads.
d. Leaf roller – Damage score (0-10) at ear head stage.
N.B.: After the harvest of the seeds of different entries of this trial, the experiment number
PMET-8 (Storage trial) will be installed. Jamnagar, Anand, Jaipur & Jodhpur centres are
instructed to collect and store the seeds of PMET-1B (Advance lines) as reserve for any of the
centre if need arises. Do not mix or remove the seeds before prior permission from PI,
Entomology, JAU, Jamnagar.

3. PMET-1C: Screening of pearl millet germ plasm against major insect pests
(Mini-core from ICRISAT)

Objective/Target: To find out resistant/promising donor material against major insect pests.
Location: Jamnagar
Experimental details: Design: RBD, No of replications: 2, No. of rows: One
Row length: 2.0 m and Spacing: 50x15 cm.

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No. of entries: 235 (Mini-core/germplasm-ICRISAT).

Methodology: At vegetative stage (28 DAG), observations will be recorded from total plants
of net plot plants by counting the dead hearts. Thus, shoot fly dead heart percent incidence
will be worked out. For stem borer, plant showing parallel holes due to stem borer larvae in
the leaves will be considered as damaged plant and percent damaged plant will be calculated.
At ear head stage, number of ear heads showing shoot fly (deformed ear head) and stem borer
(empty/white ear head) damage will be recorded separately and thus percent ear head
damage will be worked out from ear heads of total plants of net plot. Whereas, for
Helicoverpa armigera, the population of larvae will be counted from 5 ear heads of the
randomly selected.

Observations to be recorded:
a. Shoot fly – Per cent infestation at 28 DAG (Vegetative stage) and ear head stage.
b. Stem borer – Per cent plant damage at 28 DAG (Vegetative stage) and at ear head
stage.
c. Helicoverpa larvae – Number of larvae/ 5 ear heads.

4. PMET-2: Monitoring of major insect pests of pearl millet (On Research Station)

Location: Jamnagar, Anand, Jaipur, ARS Mandor-Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Vijayapur & ARS
Fatehpur-Shekhawati (New centre).

Objective/Target: To study the intensity & population fluctuation of key pests of pearl
millet in context to weather parameters.

Experimental details:
Design: Nil (Observation plot)
Replications: Nil
Treatment: 2, Untreated plot/treated plot (Full package of practices to be followed)
Spacing: 50 x 15 cm.
Variety: Any released pearl millet hybrid of that zone

Methodology:
(A) Untreated plot: Sowing of released pearl millet variety will be done over an area of
100 m2 which will be kept free from insecticidal application during crop season.
Incidence (%) and population of various insect pests observed during the crop period
will be recorded at weekly interval from 20 randomly selected plants 7 days after
germination (DAG) of the crop till maturity. The presence of bio agents will also be
recorded simultaneously. Weather data may also be recorded on weekly basis
(Meteorological Standard Weather Week) at least, Temperature Minimum &
Maximum, RH Morning & Evening, Rainfall mm & Rainy days. If some other facility
available than other parameters may be recorded for correlation.
(B) Treated plot: One treated plot of 100 m2 may be maintained by taking recommended
package of practices for insect pest management to get the information of yield
purpose for losses.

The following treatments will be adopted for treated plot.

1. Shoot fly, stem borer, white grub & termite: Seed treatment imidacloprid 600 FS @
8.75 ml/kg seed.

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2. Shoot fly, stem borer foliar spray: Spray of fipronil 5 SC @ 0.01%, at 35 days after
germination of crop or spray of imidacloprid 17.8 SL 0.009% at 35 DAG or spraying
of novaluron 10 EC 0.01%, at 35 DAG.
3. Helicoverpa armigera : Spraying of novaluron 10 EC 0.01%, at ear head stage at pest
appearance.
4. Fall Army Worm: Beauveria bassiana 5 g/ litre whorl application (1X108 cfu/g) at the
initiation of pest appearance and repeat it after 10 days if required.
5. Leaf binder, grass hopper, grey weevil, hairy cater pillar and any other leaf feeding
insects: Spraying of NSKE 5%.

Observations to be recorded:
1. From Un-treated plot, incidence (%) and population of various insect pests observed
during the crop period will be recorded at weekly interval from 20 randomly selected
plants 7 days after germination (DAG) of the crop till maturity. The presence of bio
agents will also be recorded simultaneously.
2. Yield kg/ha from treated as well as Un-treated plot.
N.B.: The proforma for recording the observations will be sent by PI to the scientists
concerned.
5. PMET-3: Survey of insect- pests of Kharif pearl millet crop on farmers’ fields

Location: Jamnagar, Anand, Jaipur, ARS Mandor-Jodhpur & Aurangabad.

Objective/Target: To know the magnitude of insect-pests at farmer’s field and to identify

the hot spot of insect-pests in the region.

Methodology & observations to be recorded: Survey of insect pests will be carried

(minimum 25-50 fields) out at vegetative and at ear head stage of bajra crop during Kharif
season at different locations. Percent incidence of various insect pests and population per 5
plants will be recorded infesting pearl millet. The presence of bio-agents will also be
recorded simultaneously.
N.B.: The proforma for recording the observations will be sent by PI to the scientists
concerned.
6. PMET-5: Testing of IPM modules against pest complex of pearl millet.

Objective/Target: To test the effectiveness of IPM modules against major insect pest (shoot
fly, stem borer, Helicoverpa, grass hopper, white grub & termite) of pearl millet.

Location: Jamnagar, Jaipur & ARS Mandor-Jodhpur

Experimental details: Design: RBD, No. of Replications: 4
Gross plot size: 4.0 x 3.0 m (5 rows), Net plot size: 3.0 x 1.80 m (3 rows) and
Spacing: 50 x 15 cm.

Treatment details: 7
1. T1-IPM module-I: 10% higher seed rate + seed treatment of imidacloprid 600 FS @
8.75 ml/kg + removal of shoot fly dead hearts + fish meal trap @ 10/ha.
2. T2-IPM module-II: T1 + seed treatment of PSB @ 10 ml/kg seed + spray azadirachtin
1500 ppm (40 ml/10 litres of water) at 30 DAG and at ear head stage.

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3. T3-IPM module-III: T1 + seed treatment of PSB @ 10 ml/kg seed + furrow

application of Trichoderma harzanium @ 2.5 kg/ha mixed in 500 kg well
decomposed FYM at the time of sowing + spray azadirachtin 1500 ppm (40 ml/10
litres of water) at 30 DAG and at ear head stage.
4. T4-IPM module-IV: T1 + seed treatment of PSB @ 10 ml/kg seed + neem cake @
250 kg/hactare furrow application at the time of sowing + spray azadirachtin 1500
ppm (40 ml/10 litres of water) at 30 DAG and at ear head stage.
5. T5-IPM module-V: T1 + seed treatment of PSB @ 10 ml/kg seed + neem cake @ 500
kg/hactare furrow application at the time of sowing + spray azadirachtin 1500 ppm
(40 ml/10 litres of water) at 30 DAG and at ear head stage.
6. T6-IPM module-VI: Seed treatment of imidacloprid 600 FS @ 8.75 ml/kg,
installation of fish meal trap @ 10/ha and spraying of NSKE 5% at ear head stage
(Standard check-earlier recommendation)
7. T7-Untreated-control

Methodology: Seed treatment and furrow application will be given initially at the time of
sowing. While, foliar application will be given at 30 DAG and at ear head stage as stated in
treatments. At vegetative stage (28 DAG), observations will be recorded from randomly
selected 20 plants of net plot plants by counting the dead hearts. Thus, shoot fly dead heart
percent incidence was worked out. For stem borer, plant showing parallel holes due to stem
borer larvae in the leaves will be considered as damaged plant and percent damaged plant
will be calculated. At ear head stage, number of ear heads showing shoot fly (deformed ear
head) and stem borer (empty/white ear head) damage were recorded separately and thus
percent ear head damage will be worked out from ear heads of 20 plants of net plot. Grain
and fodder yield recorded from net plot area at harvest and data thus data obtained analyzed
statistically. Economics of the treatments will be calculated on the basis of current market
prices.

Observations to be recorded:
a. Per cent incidence of shoot fly at 28 DAG (vegetative stage) and at ear head stage.
b. Per cent incidence of stem borer at 28 DAG (vegetative stage) and at ear head stage.
c. Per cent termite and white grub at ear head stage.
d. Larval population of Helicoverpa to be recorded on 5 ear heads in each replication
before & after spray (24 hrs before & 1, 3 & 7 days after spray).
e. Grass hopper per cent damage at 45 DAG of the crop
f. Leaf roller damage score at ear head stage (0-10).
g. Grain & fodder yield.
N.B.: PSB treatment will be given after imidacloprid treatment. The pooled data of this
experiment should be sent to PI after the completion of this experiment in kharif 2022.

7. PMET-7: Survey of insect- pests of summer pearl millet crop on farmers’ fields

Location: Jamnagar & Anand

Objective/Target: To know the magnitude of insect-pests at farmer’s field and to identify

the hot spot of insect-pests in the region.

Methodology & observations to be recorded: Survey of insect pests will be carried

(minimum 25-50 fields) out at vegetative and at ear head stage of bajra crop during summer
season at different locations. Percent incidence of various insect pests and population per 5

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plants will be recorded infesting pearl millet. The presence of bio-agents will also be
recorded simultaneously.
N.B.: The proforma for recording the observations will be sent by PI to the scientists
concerned.

8. PMET-8: Relative susceptibility of pearl millet varieties and hybrids to Tribolium

castaneum Herbst and Rhizopertha dominica Fab. in storage.

Objective/Target: To find out the resistant/tolerant/ susceptible variety/hybrid against

storage insect pests.

Locations: Jamnagar, Anand, Jaipur, Jodhpur (New centre) & Anantapur (New centre).
Design: CRD, Replications: 2, Treatment/varieties/hybrids: Approximately 30-40
(Advanced entries)

Methodology & Observations to be recorded: The seeds of the trial number PMET-1B will
be collected and will be utilized for this experiment. After the harvest dry the seeds properly
and disinfect it properly. One hundred gram seeds of each variety of pearl millet will be taken
in plastic container (250g capacity). Ten pairs of adults of Tribolium castaneum Herbst (At
Jamnagar) and Rhizopertha dominica Fab. (At Jaipur, Jodhpur, Anand & Anantapur)
will be released in each treatment/variety for egg laying, replicated twice. The plastic
container will be covered with muslin cloth and will be fastened with rubber bands. The
insects will be removed after 10 days of exposure. The set of experiment will be kept as such
for recording the observations till 6 months at 27+ 20C and 60 to 70 per cent relative
humidity. Observations on number of adults emerged per 100g seed, percentage of seed
damage on 400 grain basis & percent weight loss on 100g will be recorded at 3 & 6 months
after release of insects. Germination will be recorded at the end of the experiment (At 6
months storage period). The data recorded will be subjected to statistical analysis (CRD
design).

Note:
1. The pearl millet seeds will be used from experiment of PMET-1B (advanced entries)
trial after harvesting of kharif trial.
2. For Anantapur centre, 200 gram seed of each entry will be arranged by PI
entomology, JAU, Jamnagar.

9. PMET-9: Monitoring of Fall Army worm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Kharif pearl

millet.

Locations: Jamangar, Anand, Jaipur, ARS Mandor-Jodhpur, Aurangabad & ARS Fatehpur-
Shekhawati (New centre).

Objective/Target: To know the presence of adults of fall army worm in pearl millet eco
system and simultaneously damage in pearl millet

Treatment: Pheromone traps of fall army worm

Methodology & Observations to be recorded: The pheromone traps of fall army worm
(Minimum 5 traps) will be installed in the general pearl millet crop field of the station. The
mean catches per trap will be recorded at weekly interval as per standard weather week. The

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mean catches per week will be worked out to know the population fluctuations. The plant
damage percentage will also be recorded weekly. The weather data will also be recorded to
work out the correlation.

N.B.: The traps/lures will be supplied by PI (Entomology), Pearl millet Research Station,
JAU, Jamnagar to the above locations.

Schedule of sending the data to PI:

No. Experiment number & Observations Time/period of data sending
1 Screening trials: PMET-1A, PMET-1B, Send the data as soon as the data is
PMET-1C, 28 DAG observations recorded.
2 Screening trials: PMET-1A, PMET-1B, Send the data as soon as the data is
PMET-1C, ear head observations recorded.
3 PMET-2: Monitoring trial At crop maturity (End of October) except
yield of treated and un-treated plot.
4 PMET-3: Kharif Survey As soon as the survey is over-October end.
5 PMET-5: IPM module testing Till end of November.
6 PMET-7: Summer Survey Till end of June.
7 PMET-8: Storage trial As soon as the trial is over.
8 PMET-9: FAW pheromone trap trial End of October
N.B.: Please follow the schedule of sending the data. The word as well as excel data sheet
will be sent to you shortly. Kindly adhere and fill the data in the sheets sent to you.

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SESSION III

Review of Research Results of ICAR-ICRISAT Collaborative Project 2021-22 and Plan

of Work 2022-23

Chairman Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (CC & FFC), ICAR, New Delhi
Co-chairs Dr. Vilas A Tonapi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad
Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, PC, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
Rapporteur Dr. S.P. Singh, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

The results of ICAR-ICRISAT trials conducted during 2021-22 were presented by Dr. B. R.
Beniwal, Senior Technical Assistant, AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur. He informed that
during kharif 2021, a total of five trials namely potential B line nursery, potential R line
nursery, drought tolerant hybrid parent nursery, elite inbred joint biofortification nursery and
blast resistant B and R line nursery were conducted at different locations. Observations on
traits like days to 50 % flowering, head length, head diameter, tillering, stay green, blast
tolerance and agronomic score were recorded in these trials. Promising entries with respect
to each trait were identified based on multi-location data.

Dr. S.K.Gupta, Principal Scientist (Pearl Millet Breeding) ICRISAT, Hyderabad proposed
five trials viz., promising B-line nursery, promising R-line nursery, drought tolerant restorer
nursery, blast resistant nursery and elite joint biofortification trial to be taken up during 2022-
23 over different locations. He has also presented number of entries, replications and plot size
of these trials.

Dr. Rakesh Srivastava, Principal Scientist, ICRISAT presented work plan for 2022-23. He
proposed that marker assisted breeding trials & nurseries namely blast resistance trial: GWAS
(Entries: 350; Reps: 2 and Rows: 2) and blast resistance trial: bi-parental QTL mapping
(Entries: 300; Reps: 2 and Rows: 2) can be conducted at Delhi, Jaipur and Dhule.

Dr. Vilas A Tonapi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad suggested to reduce number of trials,
number of entries and number of locations due to financial crunch. Possibility of contingency
sharing by ICRISAT to be also explored. He also suggested that more focus should be given
to develop early maturing (<45 days) materials for A1 zone. Project Coordinator suggested
including Bikaner and Mandor centres for drought screening in addition to CAZRI, Jodhpur.
Mysore center and PC-Unit should be involved for marker validation work for blast. It was
also suggested that donors and female parents for early maturity to be
identified/developed.Female parents of ICRISAT widely used in A1 zone and lacking for
certain traits to be improved. Off-season nursery facility of IIMR in Warangal needs to be
explored for seed multiplication during summer. Trial data to be compiled on zonal basis.

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ICAR-ICRISAT COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS PLAN OF WORK 2022-23

ICAR-ICRISAT Trials/Nurseries 2022
S. No. Name of the No of Plot Size Locations
Trial/Breeding nursery Entries
Trials/Nursery Rainy 2022
1. Promising B-line nursery 50-60 1 row x 2 reps 1. AICRP, SKRU, Bikaner
2. RARI, Durgapura
3. MPKV, Dhule
4. CAZRI, Jodhpur
5. RVSKVV, Gwalior
6. JAU, Jamnagar
7. ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad
8. CCS HAU, Hisar

2. Promising R-line nursery 50-60 1 row x 2 reps 1. AICRP, SKRAU, Bikaner

2. RARI, Durgapura
3. MPKV, Dhule
4. CAZRI, Jodhpur
5. RVSKVV, Gwalior
6. JAU, Jamnagar
7. ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad
8. CCS HAU, Hisar
9. IARI, New Delhi
10. RARS, Vijayapur, Karnataka
11. ARS, Malnoor, UAS, Raichur,
Karnataka
12. PC Unit, Jodhpur
3. Drought tolerant restorer 40-50 1 row x 2 reps 1. AICRP, SKRAU, Bikaner
parent nursery 2. RARI, Durgapura
3. CAZRI, Jodhpur
4. CCA HAU, Hisar
5. PC Unit, Jodhpur

4. Blast Resistant Nursery 20-25 1 row x 2 reps 1. RVSKVV, Gwalior

2. IARI, New Delhi
3. RARI, Durgapura
4. MPKV, Dhule
5. ARS, Ananthapuram
6. PAU, Ludhiana
5. Elite Joint Bio- 40-50 1 row x 3 reps 1. ARS, Malnoor, UAS, Raichur,
fortification Trial Karnataka
(coordinated by AICRP 2. RARI, Durgapura
on Pearl Millet) 3. PAU, Ludhiana
4. AICRP, SKRAU, Bikaner
5. MPKV, Dhule
6. CAZRI, Jodhpur
7. JAU, Jamnagar
8. IARI, New Delhi
9. PC Unit, Jodhpur

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S. No. Name of the No of Plot Size Locations

Trial/Breeding nursery Entries
Marker-assisted Breeding Trial and Nurseries-2022
6. Blast resistance trial: 350 2 rows x 2 1. Bawal
GWAS reps 2. Jaipur
3. Mandor
4. Dhule
5. Delhi

7. Blast resistance trial: 300 2 rows x 2 1. Jaipur

mapping population. reps 2. Dhule
3. Delhi

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SESSION IV

Review of Frontline Demonstrations for 2021-22 and Action Plan 2022-23

Chairman Dr. S.K. Malhotra, Ex -Agri. Commissioner, DAC, New Delhi & Director,
DKMA
Co-chairs Dr. Ishwar Singh, Director, Directorate of Extension Education, AU,
Jodhpur
Rapporteur Dr. S.P. Singh, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Dr. Supriya, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
Date 2nd March, 2022

The FLD results of 2021-22 were presented by Dr. Manoj Kumar, Assistant Professor
(Agronomy), PC Unit, Jodhpur. He informed the house that FLDs were conducted on a total
of 340 ha area under A1, A and B zones during kharif, summer and semi-rabi seasons with
different technologies including, varietal component, improved practices and full package of
practices. Out of total FLDs area, 141 ha area i.e.41.5% area was covered with biofortified
hybrids. Adoption of improved production technologies recorded 16.9 to 48.5% higher grain
yield compared to the yield recorded with the farmer's practice in Zone A 1,13.6 to 36.4% in
Zone A and the increase was 13.2to 45.4% in Zone B. During summer season in Rajasthan
state, 31.1 to 43.5% higher grain yield compared to the yield was recorded with the farmer's
practice. During summer season in Gujarat state, 8.5% higher grain yield compared to the
yield recorded with the farmer's practice. He proposed that during 2022-23, FLDs will be
conducted on a total of 400 ha area covering A1, A and B zones in different seasons. During
this year, the proportion of FLDs with biofortified hybrids will be also increased.

Dr. S.K. Malhotra, Ex-Agri. Commissioner, DAC, New Delhi & Director, DKMA
emphasized on conducting FLDs in clusters. Dr. Ishwar Singh, Director, Directorate of
Extension Education, AU, Jodhpur suggested that agronomical management practices and
plant protections strategies should also be included in FLDs. Dr. P Raghava Reddy,
Chairman, PAMC and Dr. RK Pannu, Member, PAMC suggested to analyze all constraints of
pearl millet and stressed upon using all practices in order to enhance farmer’s interest in
FLDs. Dr. Anil Kumar suggested Dr. Manoj Kumar to present data of rained and irrigated
condition separately. Project coordinator, Dr. C Tara Satyavathi emphasized the role of
biofortified hybrids/varieties in FLDs and suggested the centres to include biofortified
hybrids/varieties in their FLDs.

The session ended with vote of thanks.

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Tentative proposal of FLD's on Pearl Millet for the year 2022-23 (kharif & summer)
discussed during workshop
S. Name of the coordinating (Area in ha) Technology to be demonstrated
No. centre Kharif Summer Total
1 RARI, (SKNAU), Durgapura 20 - 20  Improved biofortified hybrid
(Jaipur), Rajasthan (RHB 233, RHB 234 and HHB
299) V/s Local variety
 Full Package of practices
 Weed management
2 Agricultural Research 30 - 30  Improved biofortified hybrid
Station (SKRAU), Bikaner (HHB 299, RHB 233, RHB 234
(Rajasthan) and BHB 1202) V/s Local
variety
3 Millet Research Station, 10 20 30  Improved biofortified hybrid
JAU, Jamnagar (Gujrat) (GHB 1129, GHB 1231, HHB
299 and AHB 1200) V/s Local
variety
 Full package of practices in
summer
4 Bajra Section, CCSHAU, 10 - 10  Improved hybrids (HHB 299
Hisar (Haryana) and HHB 311) V/s Local
variety
 Weed management by Atrazine
 Efficient nutrient management
 Use of micro nutrient v/s
Farmer’s practices
5 KVK, Shikohpur (IARI, 10 - 10  Improved hybrids (HHB 299
New Delhi), Gurgaon and HHB 311) V/s Local
variety
 Improved variety v/s local
variety
 Full package of practices
 Weed management
6 AICRP-PM, COA 10 - 10  Improved biofortified hybrid
(RVSKVV), Gwalior (MP) (HHB 299, HHB 311 and AHB
1200) V/s Local variety
 Full package of practices
7 AICRP on Pearl Millet, 10 - 10  Improved biofortified (AHB
NARP, Aurangabad (MH) 1200 and AHB 1269) v/s Local
variety
8 Department of Millets, 10 - 10  Improved biofortified (AHB
CPBG, TNAU, Coimbatore 1200 and AHB 1269) v/s Local
variety
9 AICRP on Pearl Millet, 10 - 10  Improved biofortified (AHB
Regional Agricultural 1200 and AHB 1269) v/s Local
Research Station, Vijayapur variety
(Karnataka)

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S. Name of the coordinating (Area in ha) Technology to be demonstrated

No. centre Kharif Summer Total
10 College of Agriculture, 10 - 10  Improved biofortified hybrid
(MPKV, Rahuri), Dhule (HHB 299 and AHB 1200) V/s
(MH) Local variety
11 Agricultural Research  Improved biofortified (ABV 04,
Station, (ANGRAU), 10 - 10 AHB 1200 and AHB 1269) v/s
Ananthapuram (AP) Local variety
12 DEE (AU, Jodhpur), Jodhpur 20 - 20  Improved biofortified hybrid
(Rajasthan) (HHB 299, RHB 233, RHB 234
and HHB 311) V/s Local
variety
 Full package of practices
13 KVK, CAZRI, Jodhpur 10 - 10  Improved biofortified hybrid
(Rajasthan) (HHB 299, RHB 233, RHB 234
and HHB 311) V/s Local
variety
 Full package of practices
14 Incharge Forage & Millet 10 - 10  Improved biofortified hybrid
section, Department of Plant (HHB 299) V/s Local variety
Breeding, PAU, Ludhiana  Full package of practices
(Punjab)
15 Agricultural Research 20 10 30  Improved biofortified (ABV 04,
Station, (ANGRAU), AHB 1200 and AHB 1269) v/s
Vizianagaram (AP) Local variety
16 KVK Phalodi, Jodhpur 20 - 20  Improved biofortified hybrid
(Rajasthan) (HHB 299, RHB 233, RHB 234
and HHB 311) V/s Local
variety
 Full package of practices
17 KVK Gudamalani, Barmer 20 10 30  Improved biofortified hybrid
(Rajasthan) (HHB 299, RHB 233, RHB 234
and HHB 311) V/s Local
variety
 Full package of practices
18 KVK Sirohi (Rajasthan) 0 10 10  Improved biofortified hybrid
(HHB 299, RHB 233, RHB 234
and HHB 311) V/s Local
variety
 Full package of practices
19 KVK Athiyasan, Nagaur 10 - 10  Improved biofortified hybrid
(Rajasthan) (HHB 299, RHB 233, RHB 234
and HHB 311) V/s Local
variety
 Local variety
 Full package of practices
20 KVK Molasar, Nagaur 10 - 10  Improved biofortified hybrid
(Rajasthan) (HHB 299, RHB 233, RHB 234
and HHB 311) V/s Local

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S. Name of the coordinating (Area in ha) Technology to be demonstrated

No. centre Kharif Summer Total
variety
 Full package of practices
21 KVK Jalore (Rajasthan) 10 10 20  Improved biofortified hybrid
(HHB 299, RHB 233, RHB 234
and HHB 311) V/s Local
variety
 Full package of practices
22 KVK Chandgothi, Churu 20 - 20  Improved biofortified hybrid
(Rajasthan) (HHB 299, RHB 233, RHB 234
and HHB 311) V/s Local
variety
 Full package of practices
23 College of Agriculture 10 - 10  Improved biofortified hybrid
Sumerpur, AU, Jodhpur (HHB 299, RHB 233, RHB 234
(Rajasthan) and HHB 311) V/s Local
variety
 Full package of practices
24 Agricultural Research  Improved biofortified (ABV 04,
Station, (ANGRAU), 0 10 10 AHB 1200 and AHB 1269) v/s
Perumallapalli (AP) Local variety
25 ICAR, Research Complex 0 10 10  Improved biofortified hybrid
for NEH Region, Umiam, (RHB 223, RHB 234 and HHB
Meghalaya 299) V/s Local variety
 Full package of practices
26 ICAR-AICRP on Pearl 20 - 20  Improved biofortified hybrid
Millet, Jodhpur (HHB 299, RHB 233, RHB 234
and HHB 311) V/s Local
variety
 Full package of practices
Total 320 80 400

Note: The monitoring team will be constituted after planting of the crop.

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SESSION VI

New initiatives for pearl millet research

Chairman Dr. O.P. Govila, Ex-PC (ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur & Ex-
Professor, Division of Genetics, IARI, New Delhi
Co-chairs Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (CC & FFC), ICAR, New Delhi
Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, PC, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
Rapporteur Dr. R.K. Kakani, ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur
Dr. Supriya, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur
Date 3rd March, 2022

The session started with the opening remarks by the chairman along with
congratulating PC, AICRP of Pearl millet for planning this session in this meeting. In this
session, a total of four presentations were made by the distinguished speakers on various new
initiatives taken up in Pearl millet research.

First presentation was made by Dr. Shivali Sharma, Senior Specialist, Plant Genetic
Resources & Pre-breeding, Global Crop Diversity Trust (GCDT), Bonn, Germany. She
delivered her views on Tapping the untapped: Pre breeding for Pearl millet improvement.
During her presentation she highlighted the importance of pre-breeding and CWR along with
gene pool available in different gene banks for pearl millet. She informed how pre-breeding
can be a link between gene banks and breeding programs. She also emphasized the role of pre
breeding and her wonderful work carried out at ICRISAT for pre flowering, terminal heat
resistance and blast resistance, striga resistance. She also briefed about the lessons learnt
from the pre breeding that can be useful for selection of trait and useful genes, potential
donors, compressing the pre-breeding timeframe, capacity building etc. along with lesson
learned from pre breeding programme.

Dr. Rakesh Srivastava, Principal Scientist, Pearl millet molecular breeding, ICRISAT,
Patancheru presented the Pearl millet genomics and molecular breeding: advances and
prospects. He exhibited the journey of pearl millet molecular breeding from limited marker
situation to genome sequencing, medium to dense SNPs, SNP based QC panel. He also
discussed about the availability of different genomic resources in pearl millet and the
different advanced genomic approaches. He highlighted the development of 32.90 million
SNP based QC panel and availability of 30 genome-wide SNPs platform for fingerprinting.
He also reported that more than 25 traits have been mapped and more in progress along with
QTLs for Fe-Zn, downy mildew resistance and rust resistance.

Dr. Nepolean T, Principal Scientist (Pearl Millet Breeding), ICAR-IIMR, Telangana

presented his thoughts on-The way to breed winning hybrids rapidly through Next- Gen
breeding approaches in Pearl millet. He presented the challenges in pearl millet production
along with genetic gain observed over the period as compared to maize. He discussed his
thoughts for enhancing genetic gain using identification of parents using breeding value
identified through genomic approaches, early generation selection through predicting
breeding values, rapid generation advancement using speed breeding, complementary
technologies, BMS, optimizing and efficient field testing. He also informed about the
availability of 4K Mid-density SNP panel for genomic selection, line development etc.

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Dr. B. Dayakar Rao, PS & CEO (Nutri Hub), IIMR, Telengana, presented his views
on Creation of demand for Pearl millet through nutritional labeling, value addition and
entrepreneurship development. He exhibited millets as smart food due to benefits in
production and consumption in terms of consumer, farmer, business and environment. He
exhibited a journey of growth and demand in various industries and scope of startups and
entrepreneurs in use of pearl millet in FMCG products. He also discussed about the
challenges and constraints in this area. He also focused on how the pearl millet processing
increases the demand. He also briefed about the different pearl millet products and the efforts
made by nutri-hub for capacity building programs and trainings organized for enhancing
value addition in pearl millet.

Chairman summed up the session with appreciation for the wonderful presentations
by all the speakers.

The session ended with vote of thanks to Chairman, Co-Chairman and the presenters.

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SESSION - VII

Review of DUS Testing Project, Progress Report 2021 -22 and Review of BSP 2021-22
and Action Plan 2022-23

Chairman Dr. D.K. Yadav, ADG (Seeds), ICAR, New Delhi

Co-chairs Dr. T.K. Nagarathna, Registrar, PPV&FRA, New Delhi
Rapporteur Dr. Dev Vart Yadav, CCS HAU, Hisar
Dr. Arun Kumar M.B., ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
Date 3rd March, 2022

During the session, Dr. Vikas Khandelwal, ICAR- AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur presented
the progress made in 2021-22 under DUS Testing Project and Breeder Seed Production.
Under DUS testing, a total of 27 varieties (two farmers’ varieties, 4 in 2nd year and 21 in 1st
year) were evaluated on 28 DUS traits. A total of 5.13 q indent of breeder seed was there for
five varieties and 26 parental lines of hybrids against which a total of 23.23 q breeder seed
was produced. There was a deficit production in certain lines/varieties which shall be
overcome by taking production in summer season. Deliberations were made during the
session pertaining to the DUS testing, variety registration, popularization of the new hybrids
etc. Based on the presentations discussions, the following points emerged:
 The PC unit should sensitize the Centers/breeders to register their varieties and hybrids
by generating DUS database alongside 2nd year of trial itself. PC unit should coordinate
and facilitate the annual registration fee related issues of extant and new varieties
especially of the public sector organizations. Dr T.K. Nagarathna, Registrar, PVFRA
clarified that the registration process of extant, old and VCK varieties has been stopped
from Jan 03, 2022 and only new varieties registration are allowed after undertaking DUS
testing.
 Both the Chairman and Co-Chairperson suggested that the registration of farmers’
variety should be encouraged so that the pearl millet germplasm which is the wealth of
the country can be protected. The use of molecular markers in DUS testing is under
consideration and a committee report is expected soon in this direction.
 The Chairman, Dr. D.K. Yadava suggested that both the centre and state indents as well
as breeder seed supply under various MoUs/non-exclusive agreements should be
included for providing the total BSP figure to ICAR to reflect a holistic true picture.
 The house agreed to take up the breeder seed production of the varieties and parental
lines as per the DAC’s indent, which is yet to be communicated from the DAC.
 Availability of the seeds of newly released biofortified hybrids should be ensured by the
respective centers, so that the constant supply for the frontline demonstrations and
popularization activities of such hybrids are not hampered. Strong efforts must be made
to popularize these hybrids at farmers’ level.
 Efforts have to be taken up by the respective centers to bring the new released hybrids
into seed multiplication chain by pursuing the State Agricultural Departments.
The session ended with thanks to the Chair.

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BREEDER SEED PRODUCTION (ACTION PLAN 2022-23)

Programme of production of Breeder Seed of Pearl millet varieties and parental lines (BSP 1)
Crop: Pearl millet Year of Production: 2022 Year of supply: February 2023
S. No. Name of Producing Name of parental line/ variety DAC indent Actual
center/state (q) allocation as
per BSP-I
Target (q)
A Varieties
1 ANGRAU, Ananthapuram ABV-04 (MP 552) 0.50 0.50
2 ICAR-IARI, New Delhi Pusa Composite 612 (MP 480) 0.36 0.36
3 ICAR-IARI, New Delhi Pusa Composite 701 (MP 535) 0.88 0.88
4 ICRISAT, Patancheru Dhanshakti (ICTP 8203 Fe 10-2) 3.54 3.54
5 NARP, Aurangabad ABPC-4-3 (MP 484) 0.01 0.01
6 RVSKVV, Gwalior JBV-2 0.20 0.20
Total Total (A) 5.49 5.49
B. Parental lines
1 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMA 843-22 (A line HHB 67 Imp, HHB 67 Imp 2-7) 0.72 0.72
2 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMB 843-22 (B line HHB 67 Imp, HHB 67 Imp 2-7) 0.11 0.11
3 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMA 04888 (A line HHB 299) 0.08 0.08
4 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMB 04888 (B line HHB 299) 0.04 0.04
5 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMA 02333 (A line HHB 311, RHB 234) 0.11 0.11
6 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMB 02333 (B line HHB 311, RHB 234) 0.07 0.07
7 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMA 99222 (A line PhuleMahashakti) 0.01 0.01
8 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMB 99222 (B line PhuleMahashakti) 0.01 0.01
9 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMA 99444 (A line RHB 233) 0.01 0.01
10 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMB 99444 (B line RHB 233) 0.01 0.01
11 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMA 94555 (A line VPMH 7) 0.02 0.02
12 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMB 94555 (B line VPMH 7) 0.01 0.01
13 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMA 98222 (A line AHB 1200) 0.01 0.01
14 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMB 98222 (B line AHB 1200) 0.01 0.01
15 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMA 04999 (A line MPMH 17) 0.02 0.02
16 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMB 04999 (B line MPMH 17) 0.01 0.01
17 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMA 96666 (A line RHB 223) 0.09 0.09
18 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMB 96666 (B line RHB 223) 0.07 0.07
19 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMA 93333 (A line MPMH 21) 0.09 0.09
20 ICRISAT, Patancheru ICMB 93333 (B line MPMH 21) 0.08 0.08
21 MPKV, Dhule DHLB-8A (A line PHULE ADISHAKTI) 0.06 0.06
22 MPKV, Dhule DHLB-8B (B line PHULE ADISHAKTI) 0.06 0.06
23 MPKV, Dhule DHLBI-967 (R line PHULE ADISHAKTI) 0.06 0.06
24 MPKV, Dhule DHLB 16A (A line DHBH 1397) 0.01 0.01
25 MPKV, Dhule DHLB 16B (B line DHBH 1397) 0.01 0.01
26 MPKV, Dhule DHLBI 1035 (R line DHBH 1397) 0.01 0.01
27 MPKV, Dhule DHLBI 1201 (R line PhuleMahashakti) 0.01 0.01
28 MPKV, Dhule RHRB 1A (A line SHRADDHA) 0.02 0.02
29 MPKV, Dhule RHRB 1B (B line SHRADDHA) 0.01 0.01
30 MPKV, Dhule RHRBI 138 (R line SHRADDHA) 0.01 0.01
31 MPKV, Dhule RHRB 5A (A line SABURI) 0.02 0.02
32 MPKV, Dhule RHRB 5B (B line SABURI) 0.01 0.01
33 MPKV, Dhule RHRBI 458 (R line SABURI) 0.01 0.01
34 NARP, Aurangabad AUBI 1101 (R line AHB 1200) 0.01 0.01
35 UAS, Dharwad CPRT-112 (R line VPMH 7) 0.01 0.01
36 CCSHAU, Hisar H 77/833-2-202 (R line of HHB 67 Imp) 0.10 0.10
37 CCSHAU, Hisar H 77/833-2-202-6 (R line of HHB 67-2 Imp) 0.01 0.01
38 CCSHAU, Hisar H 14/003 (R line HHB 311) 0.05 0.05
39 CCSHAU, Hisar H 13/0001 (R line HHB 299) 0.04 0.04
40 SKNAU, Jaipur RIB 15176 (R line RHB 233) 0.01 0.01
41 SKNAU, Jaipur RIB 15177 (R line RHB 234) 0.04 0.04
42 SKNAU, Jaipur RIB 3135-18 (R line RHB 223) 0.07 0.07
43 AU, Jodhpur MIR 525-2 (R line MPMH 17) 0.01 0.01
44 AU, Jodhpur MIR 524 (R line MPMH 21) 0.10 0.10
Total (B) 2.33 2.33
Total (A)+(B) 7.82 7.82

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Session VIII

Plenary Session

Chief Guest Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR
Chairman Dr. TR Sharma, DDG (CS), ICAR, New Delhi
Guest of Honour Dr. B.R. Choudhary, Vice-Chancellor, Agriculture University, Jodhpur
Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (CC & FFC) , ICAR, New Delhi
Dr. Vilas Tonapi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad
Rapporteurs Dr. Mukesh Sankar, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.
Dr. Supriya, PC unit, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, Jodhpur
Date rd
03 March, 2022

During this session, Dr. Sanjana Reddy on behalf of respective rapporteurs of different
sessions presented the observations and recommendations generated during different
sessions. The proceedings of Varietal Identification Committee was presented by Project
Coordinator, ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet. All the observations and recommendations of
each session were approved after discussions. Later PAMC Members, Chief Guest, Guest of
honor and Chairman presented their remarks:

Dr. Raghava Reddy appreciated efforts done by AICRP and the identification/released of new
varieties for A1 zone but he also suggested that narrow genetic base exists among the
cultivated pearl millet and more focused effort should to be followed in order to diversify the
genepool through introgression of various important germplasm available at ICRISAT and
NBPGR. He also emphasized on sharing of identified donors among centers. He stressed
upon the mass production of good quality seeds of newly released hybrids and varieties to
upscale the area of cultivation and to speed up their adoption by farmers. The FLD
programme should be conducted in large numbers over years for assessing the consistency of
new technologies.

Dr. R K Pannu suggested for location specific reinforcement of FLD trials and need to take
experimental site, weather and soil data also when doing analysis of experimental data.
Weed control measures at critical stages of the crop should be also taken care of and
micronutrient analysis of crop and grain should be done. Yield maximization trials should
consider the status of nutrients before and after the experiment. The plant physiologist needs
to work along with the agronomist and devise various experimental modules utilizing growth
regulators, anti-transpirants, chemicals for seed priming etc to mitigate the terminal drought.
Research on organic and conservation agriculture should be focused and MSP of organic
products should be increased by Govt. and procurement of Pearl millet should be done for
benefit of farmers.

Dr Shekhar Shetty pointed out that the pathological data over the years need to be studied to
work out new disease forecasting model using new algorithms. There is a need to promote
more collaboration with ICRISAT, Molecular Breeding discipline of AICRP (Pearl millet)
and Pathology division of University of Mysore to carry out basic and applied research in the
field of molecular pathology and breeding. Pathologist need to understand the GXE to
identify the emergence of new strains or diseases in pearl millet. Genotypes with multiple
disease resistance need to be identified to be utilized in future plant breeding activities.
Recording of data and validation of the data should be focused to understand the emergence

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of new diseases. Research on biomaterials, nanotechnogy and microbial consortium need to

be implement along with ongoing research to further strengthen the programme and more
invited lectures should be included to enlighten the young researchers to take up the research
in that field.

Dr. M L Lodha in his remarks appreciated the overall performance of all centres and PC Unit.
He also emphasized that more efforts are needed to highlight the nutritional and heath benefit
of pearl millet. Large germplasms need to be screened against the flour rancidity in pearl
millet. The Division of Biochemistry, IARI can be collaborated to work on rancidity. The Fe
and Zn data of all the trials should be available before the AICRP group meeting. Breeding
and processing efforts are also needed to reduce the phytic acid content in pearl millet
varieties.

Dr. Uprety in his remarks suggested to clearly define the climate resilience parameters with
respect to pearl millet. Stage of vulnerability to a particular abiotic stress need to identified
and should be clearly defined. Utilization of wild species needs to initiate to improve the
grain as well as fodder quality in pearl millet. A separate criteria must be there for forage and
grain hybrid identification. In addition, some correlation studies of used data are also
required.

Dr. B.R. Choudhary, Vice chancellor, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, appreciated the
efforts of AICRP (Pearl millet) in the field of pearl millet research particularly in arid zones
of Rajasthan but still concentrated efforts are needed to popularize the millet among farmers,
consumers and processing industries. Research on improving shelf life of pearl millet flour
need to be initiated. He emphasized the need for the availability of good quality seeds of new
hybrids and varieties along with creating linkages and MoUs with seed industries.

Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (CC & FFC), ICAR, New Delhi showed concern towards the
promotion of entries to next season of testing in AICRP trials. Only less entries being
promoted, which need a concentrated effort to broaden the genetic base through pre-breeding
activities and include good germplasm to improve the breeding programnme and focus on
basic strategic research. He also pointed out that various programmes need to be planned to
celebrate the “International Year of Millets” during 2023.

During the session, different publications including Summary of Research Experiments

(2021-22), Project Coordinator Review, Pearl millet News and two Technical Bulletins-
“Nutritional Profiling of Pearl Millet Genotypes” and “Processing of Pearl millet Grains to
Develop Nutri-Smart Food” were released. Certificate of appreciations for the excellent work
done on Pearl millet by various centers, individual scientist and teams were awarded. In the
end, Chief Guest of the session, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra appreciated the performance of the
ICAR-AICRP on Pearl millet, co-operating centers and the award recipients during the
workshop. He sensitized various centers to plan various activities in order to create awareness
among people to consume nutri-cereal and celebrate the forthcoming “International Year of
Millets”. He emphasized on the need of public private partnership, natural farming and
suggested to develop new varieties hybrids/varieties with multiple disease resistance along
with yield, micronutrient levels and organoleptic characters. He stressed upon popularization
of farmers varieties and local landraces like Jafrabadi having good organoleptic properties.

DDG (CS) is his closing remarks thanked the members and experts and congratulated the
awardees including AICRP-PM for bringing out eight product recommendations and four

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new hybrids. He suggested Project Coordinator to conduct the mid-term evaluation of fixed
objectives of all the AICRP trials. Production and protection technologies should be released
during workshop. Most of the varieties are not surpassing the yield and other criteria set for
release of the varieties which requires the programmes to broaden the genetic base and plan
the strategies to strengthen pre-breeding activities. Only few varieties being developed
though molecular breeding and IARI, IIMR and ICRISAT should focus more on developing
molecular markers and come out with MAS derived varieties. Multiple resistant or tolerant
lines need to be identified and should be used as donor for future plant breeding. Separate
biofortification program need to initiate to improve the Fe/Zn status beyond Fe (42ppm) and
Zn (32ppm) along with lesser anti-nutritional factors. High quality breeder seed of newly
released hybrids and varieties need to produce through PPP mode. He extended his best
wishes to the entire team.

In the end, Dr. Vikas Khandelwal presented vote of thanks.

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