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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Genetics and Breeding Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #113833
Title: GERMINATION RESPONSE AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES OF PEARL MILLET INBREDS SELECTED FOR TOLERANCE TO EARLY SOWING

Author
item PUNIA, R - HARYANA AG UNIV, INDIA
item DAHIYA, O - HARYANA AG UNIV, INIDA
item Wilson, Jeffrey - Jeff

Submitted to: International Sorghum and Millets Newsletter
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/9/2000
Publication Date: 12/1/2000
Citation: Punia, R.C., Dahiya, O.S., and Wilson, J.P. 2000. Germination response at different temperatures of pearl millet inbreds selected for tolerance to early sowing. International Sorghum and Millets Newsletter 41:67-68.

Interpretive Summary: By developing forages that can grow during normally non-productive times, demands for forage may be met during periods of deficit. Pearl millet is a highly productive annual forage during the summer months, but generally performs poorly if planted early in cool soils. Pearl millets selected for tolerance to early planting were evaluated for germination at two temperatures to determine if differences existed among the selections. Variation for germination rate and percent germination existed among the selections. In general, these pearl millets germinated more rapidly than lines not selected for tolerance to early planting. Selections were identified that had 50% germination of less than 4 days. Progress for tolerance to planting in cool soils is being made.

Technical Abstract: Pearl millet is a highly productive summer annual forage but is predisposed to soil-borne diseases when planted early in cool soils. Recurrent selection for tolerance to planting in cool, pathogen-infested soils has allowed selections that appear to have agronomic value in early plantings. This experiment was conducted to determine if germination of seed at cool temperatures was differed among these selection. Forty eight selections were germinated at 15 and 30 C. Germination rate (days to 50% germination) and total germination were lowest at 15 C. Germination parameters at 15 C were not associated with germination at 30 C. Selections with rapid germination (<4 days to 50% germination) and total germination >65% at 15 C were identified. These selections may be useful sources of cool temperature tolerance for early planting.