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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Genetics and Breeding Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #125167
Title: PEARL MILLET: AN EMERGING GRAIN CROP FOR THE USA

Author
item Hanna, Wayne
item Wilson, Jeffrey - Jeff
item Timper, Patricia - Patty

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/9/2001
Publication Date: 10/15/2001
Citation: Hanna, W.W., Wilson, J.P., and Timper, P. 2001. Pearl millet: an emerging grain crop for the USA. C08-hanna055931-P (Abstracts fo the ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting, Oct. 21-25, 2001, Charlotte, NC.)

Interpretive Summary: not required

Technical Abstract: Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)R. Br.] has potential as a new grain crop for the USA because of it drought resistance, high quality grain, and flexible planting dates. Grain yields average 5600 kg ha-1 when planted in 35 to 50 cm wide rows and fertilized with 112 kg ha-1. Grain protein usually ranges from 12 to 14%. Rust resistance in hybrids allows planting dates from April thru July as long as there are about 85 days from planting to harvest. Most grain hybrids are about 120 cm tall and flower in 45 to 50 days after planting. The broad planting date range allows pearl millet to be planted in different cropping and rotation systems. Nematode resistance makes pearl millet a desirable grass crop for rotation with cotton, peanut and other crops where nematodes need to be controlled through crop rotations. Livestock (cattle and swine) and poultry (chickens and quail) have performed as well and sometimes better on rations with pearl millet than with corn.