Cost-effectiveness of seed dressing with a new formulation of metalaxyl (Apron Star 42 WS) for sustainable pearl millet production in Northern Nigeria

A new metalaxyl formulation (Apron Star 42 WS) was evaluated for seed dressing of pearl millet at two locations, namely, Gashua (Sahel) and Maiduguri (Sudan Savanna) in Nigeria, 1998–2000. Data were obtained on seedling establishment, incidence of downy mildew, grain yield, cost of production and selling price of grain at the farm gates (farm sites). Results showed that seed dressing with Apron Star 42 WS significantly enhanced seedling establishment by 29.3, 47.1 and 37.1% in 1998, 1999 and 2000 respectively at Gashua; 20.2, 40.6 and 48.8% for the same years in Maiduguri; reduced the incidence of downy mildew by 72.2, 94.2 and 67.9% in 1998, 1999 and 2000 respectively at Gashua; 81.3, 81.4 and 88.0% for the same years in Maiduguri; and increased grain yield significantly above check. Further, there was higher monetary benefit from grain yield even at the minimum-selling price of the commodity at the farm gates by dressing planting seed each year. The percentage profits above check were 64.5–865.7% (Gashua) and 43.8–2487.7% (Maiduguri). It is concluded that the use of Apron Star 42 WS for seed dressing is cost-effective and sustainable for millet production in the downy mildew endemic areas of northern Nigeria.