Why Does My Pearl Millet Look Sickly?

Do the leaves have dark-bordered, tan spots?

Do the flowering heads have viscous, creamy-pink exudations (honeydew), hard brown spiky structures (sclerotia) are formed subsequently?

Do the leaves have pale areas on upper surfaces and "downy" patches underneath?

Are the leaves pale on their upper side and are there any dusty blisters on the undersides?

Did the florets develop as plump sacs (sori), initially green in color and then turning dark brown or black as the sori mature?

Leaves with gray-brown spots on them are caused by fungal disease - Cercospora leaf spot. This fungal disease only occurs in very warm climates. Spots develop a “frog-eye” appearance with light centers and dark edges. Spray plants with copper as soon as symptoms appear to prevent further symptom development.

Ergot is a fungal disease of pearl millet grain-bearing heads (inflorescences). Ergot reduces grain yields and constitutes a health hazard to humans and animals that consume it. Remove and destroy all infected inflorescences as soon as the symptoms are seen. Avoidance of ergot is achieved through the selection of cultivars that flower during periods of dry weather.

Pale areas on upper surfaces of the leaves and "downy" patches underneath are caused by Downy mildew. This fungus spreads quickly during cool, wet nights and warm, humid days. Leaves will wilt and die. Remove and destroy all affected plant parts and encourage good air circulation around plants by thining them. Water plants early in the morning to make sure they dry before nightfall.

Likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Rust. Provide good air circulation around plants by thining them. Avoid making leaves wet when watering. All infected leaves should be removed. Spray leaves with sulfur early in the season to prevent rust or to treat mild infections.

Smut is a fungal disease of pearl millet inflorescences that can significantly reduce grain yields. Remove all infected plants and destroy them. Do not compost them. Smut is best managed by the use of resistant cultivars.

If the leaf margins are notched, and roots damaged the likely culprits are Gray weevils. Gray weevils are beetles whose adults and larvae feed on pearl millet plants. Adults and larvas are very stubborn and occur especially in dry and raw, humus-rich soils. Place flowerpots filled with wood wool near falling plants. The beetles will accumulate in the pot and then they can be collected and destroyed. The larvas can be fought most effectively with parasitic nematodes.