Characterization of Magnaporthe grisea associated with Finger millet leaf blast disease in Tamil Nadu

A survey was conducted for the collection of leaf blast disease in Finger millet growing different regions of Tamil Nadu. The maximum disease incidence (50-60%) was observed in Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Salem districts followed by Coimbatore and Dindigul (20-30%). Ten isolates of leaf blast disease were collected and isolated Oat Meal Agar Medium. These isolates are screened for pathogenicity test in pot culture under glass house conditions. The maximum disease incidence was exhibited in TNFGM 4 Dharmapuri (R. Gopinathanpatti) isolate followed by Salem and Krishnagiri. The leaf blast disease was caused by Magnaporthe grisea and it was confirmed by molecular technique using ITS 1 and 4 universal primer.