EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL UV-B RADIATION ON PENNISETUM GLAUCUM (PEARL MILLET) CROP

Pearl millet is one of the most important of the world, which is mostly cultivated in the arid and semi arid regions. It is member of genus Pennisetum of Poaceae family and was formerly known new line Pennisetum americanum. It has been considered under orphan crop because it has been reported for the improvement by the scientist community. The plant of interest for the study is specifically selected considering regional importance and agro-climatic suitability. The plant under consideration for the study is Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) which is a major cereal crop of tropicalregion.It has been considered as an orphan crop because of the negligence by the world scientists. It is ranked fourth after rice, wheat and sorghum in India and ranked fifth in world after rice, wheat, maize and sorghum. Only a few works have been carried out on P. glaucum for tolerance against fungalinfection.