Selection of downy mildew resistant somaclones, from a susceptible B line of pearl millet

Plants regenerated from seed-derived callus of a PNMS 6B line of pearl mill et (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) were evaluated for their resistance ind uced by somaclonal variation for downy mildew disease caused by Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroter. Among the 201 lines regenerated, only 3 line s consistently proved highly resistant (free from disease incidence) for up to 5 generations; whereas, 17 lines were resistant (disease incidence rang ing from 1 to 9%). Resistance was confirmed by testing the plants under bot h laboratory and field conditions. The plants were evaluated for their agro nomic traits.