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.