Lore, Jagjeet SinghYesmin Kaur2016-12-242016-12-242014http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/92555ABSTRACT The present study was conducted with objective to develop innovative screening technique for artificial creation of false smut disease under field and greenhouse conditions. Growth and sporulation of Ustilaginoidea virens was studied under in-vitro conditions. The pathogen produced white-fluffy mycelial colony on potato sucrose agar medium. Yellow coloured spore mass of chlamydospores and conidia was observed after 20 days of incubation. Different inoculation methods viz. spray inoculation and dusting of dry spores at early flowering stage and syringe inoculation method using two volumes (1 ml and 2 ml) at boot stage were evaluated on varieties PR116 and PR114. Spray inoculation of spore suspension enhanced intensity of disease variables such as infected panicle and number of smut balls per panicle followed by the syringe inoculation method. However, the later produced more sterility in panicles. Cultured inoculum prepared in-vitro produced more disease infection than the fresh inoculum. Higher disease variables were recorded in plants which were provided with artificial humidity than those grown under natural conditions. High disease severity was observed in late planted crop as compared to timely planted which was positively correlated with weather factors. One hundred twenty-five hybrids were evaluated for resistance to false smut. Six lines along with susceptible check, PR116 showed high disease severity however, ten lines were found free from disease. Rest of the entries showed intermediate disease response.Thesis