A native of Africa, pearl millet is thought to have originated from Egypt or Arabia (Badi et al. 1976). Pearl millet belongs to grass family Gramineae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae, Having secondary growth tendency, it produces basal tillers, number of which depends upon genotypes, availability of moisture and nutrients in the soil. Under excessive fertility and normal moisture conditions, not only are number of basal tillers increased but also nodal tillers are produced.Under normal conditions most basal tillers produce an apical panicle (head). The heads produced by nodal tillers are relatively smaller. The size and shape of the panicle varies greatly for different genotypes. The inflorescence is spicate with dense spikelets at maturity. The flowers are bisexual and protogynous which renders pearl millet as a highly cross pollinated crop (70-80% outcrossing) and provides good opportunities for artificial selfing and crossing. The grains are smaller and become free of lemma and palea at maturity. The grain colour varies from white to dark grey with variation in shape and size (6-15 grams per 1000 grains). |
More Information on Pearl Millet |
Origin And Botany | Varietal Development And Maintenance | Land Selection | Land Preparation | Planting | Fertilization | Weed Control | Thinning And Gap-Filling | Roguing | Plant Protection | Harvesting And Threshing | Field Inspection |