MILLET RESISTANCE PROSPECTS AND ITS GROWTH ASSOCIATED MICROORGANISMS CONTROL USING WEED CLEARANCE HERBICIDES

The millet resistance prospects and its growth associated microorganisms control using weed clearance herbicides was assessed using the gardens and the Laboratory of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Aliero Nigeria.Microorganisms associated with the growth and rhizosphere of the millets comprising four bacteria and four fungi were obtained.Pathogenicity of the disease causing members was conducted to validate the status, and disease incidence and severity were measured.Fresh extracts of millet leaves growing in the farms were made using the sohxlet extraction method.Concentrations of 400, 300 and 200mg/ml were used for in vitro control of the microorganisms, using agar well diffusion method.Paraquat (4.00, 5.25 and 7.25mg/ml) and glyphosate (5.25, 7.25 and 10.00mg/ml) herbicides were also obtained and used for the in vivo damping off and rust diseases control.The highest 10.00 mg/ml concentration inhibited X. campestris by 12.67 mm, X. axonopodis by 12.67 mm, A. vinelandii by 15.33 mm and R. phaseoli by 14.33 mm.There was significant difference (p<0.05) between control drug and the three extract concentrations.No survival was observed in damping off but rust control was slightly detected at low concentrations of both paraquat and glyphosate, with 2.83 and 2.23, respectively.Control of damping is achievable with low concentrations of weed clearance herbicides and there is need to further look at these potentials.