The present investigation was undertaken to identify the resistant genotypes amongst twelve genotypes of foxtail millet or Italian (Setaria italica L.) for evaluating blast and rust disease severity caused by Pyricularia setariae Nisikado. and Uromyces setariae-italica (Diet.) Yoshino. were studied during 2016-2017 at Centre of Excellence in Millets, Athiyandal, Tamil Nadu, India and this paper reports the result of this investigation. Blast disease caused by Pyricularia setariae and rust disease caused by Uromyces setariaeitalica is a serious disease of foxtail millet and inflicts considerable reduction in grain yield. The disease has characteristic lesions and in severe cases, completely drying up of lesions. Among the twelve genotypes screened against blast and rust diseases, maximum grade of disease severity was recorded in SiA 3163 (4 and grade respectively) and the minimum percentage of disease severity was recorded in SiA 3164 ( and grade respectively). Among the twelve genotypes, SiA 3205 and SiA 3164 were evaluated as resistant genotypes. These genotypes could be considered a potential source for disease resistance against the blast and rust of foxtail millet and could be used in breeding program for development of blast and rust resistant foxtail millet variety. | Identification of resistant sources for blast and rust in foxtail millet incited by Pyricularia Setariae and Uromyces Setariae-Italica
