Comparative Study of Five Genotypes of Pearl Millet Under a Range of Photoperiods and Temperatures¹

Abstract

The growth and development of five genotypes of pearl millet, (bulrush millet) Pennisetum typhoides (Burm.) Stapf and C. E. Hubb., were compared under controlled environment conditions at three photoperiods (12, 14 and 16 hr., where the solar radiation received was 10 hr. in all treatments and this was extended with low intensity incandescent light), and at two day/night temperature regimes (36/28 C and 28/20 C). The genotypes behaved as facultative short‐day plants, flowering at all photoperiods, though much earlier with short days. At the 12‐hr. photoperiod, there was relatively little effect of genotype or temperature on anthesis date. Although the solar radiation received was the same in all treatments, the yield was at least doubled under long photoperiods (14‐ and 16‐hr) in three genotypes. With the increase in photoperiod there was also an increase in the number of tillers and the number of leaves on the main stem. The results are considered in the context of the development of forage types for use in warm temperate regions.