Selection for low temperature germination of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoideum Rich.)

Abstract

The main problem of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoideum Rich.) for early spring planting is low temperature at seed germination. Objectives of the study were: to study germination response patterns of two pearl millet populations on the levels of temperature, to select seeds germinated in the low temperature (15°C), and to field-evaluate the selected sub populations. There were significant effects of the low temperature on seed germination. Germination was declined in the low temperature, and increased as increasing of temperature. No different patterns were observed in the germination between populations as varied temperature, and the linear patterns were obtained. Sub population, however, showed no significant difference in grain yield evaluated in the field, but its interaction with plant density was significant. As conclusion, pearl millet may have an ability for repairing the growth and yield in the field after low temperature stress in germination stage and, therefore, selection for early spring planting may be possible.