SORGHUM DOWNY MILDEW OF MAIZE IN KARNATAKA, INDIA

Abstract

In 1975 maize (Zea mays L.) was cultivated on more than 5.6 million hectares in India and grain production was about 6.2 million tons, for an average of 10.3 quintals/ha. This is a significant increase over 7 years earlier when the area was about 4.6 million hectares. The state of Karnataka is making repid progress in maize production. The average yield is 300% above the national level. In 1966-67 about 17,000 ha. Of maize was grown in the state; in 1971-71 more than 96,000 ha; and, in 1974-75 it increased to about 120,000 ha. On account of the moderate climate maize is cultivated throughout the year where irrigation is available. The districts where maize is popular are Bangalore, Belgaum, Dharwar, Kolar, Mysore, Tumkur and Bijapur. The hybrids and composites commonly grown in these areas are Deccan, Ganga 5, Ganga Safed 2 and Vijay. Recently, the two experimental hybrids 4207 and 3047 were introduced to the area.