RA 00110.pdf - OAR@ICRISAT

of synthetics and composite varieties, interspecific hybridization and species improvement.
Evaluation of a world collection of germplasm enabled the selection of an array of diverse lines which could
be used for intra- and interspecific improvement. In the first phase, interspecific Napier-millet hybrids such as
NB 21 were produced that were better in yield, nutritive value, regeneration capabilities, growth rate,
acceptability, palatability, disease resistance, and suitability for mixed cropping. Because of high additive
genetic variability and less inbreeding depression for vegetative traits, the use of hybrid F 2 populations was
recommended, but all F 2 populations were not necessarily superior. Recently, a number of varieties and
synthetics have been bred that have superior yield and quality. Elite types are evaluated for green fodder yield,
dry matter yield, and crude protein yield per unit area per unit time, along with other biochemical traits such as
oxalic acid, T D N , and I V D V D . Other traits considered are duration, plant height, tillering, leaf size and
shape, and the leaf/stem ratio. Good performance under adverse environmental conditions and uniform yield
over different growing periods are also useful features. In the search for lines that remain green at harvest
physiological evaluation at different developmental stages may be required. Some biochemical parameters
and activity of certain enzymes could be used effectively to screen for stable, highly-productive, inputresponsive
genotypes.
Breeding Photoperiod Responsive Varieties of Forage Pennisetums
(Selection des varietes de pennisetums fourragers sensibles a la photoperiode)
S.K. Gupta and R.N. Choubey
Plant Improvement Division, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
284 003, India
Most pearl millet genotypes are day neutral, but much African material is photoperiod sensitive. Earlier
studies have indicated that these lines flower in November, irrespective of a variable sowing time from April to
August.
The inheritance of photoperiodism in pearl millet is controlled by many genes. Our studies on crosses of
photoperiod-sensitive lines with two male-sterile lines indicated that the F 1 hybrids were day neutral, and did
not possess any hybrid vigour for forage yield attributes. None of these hybrids was male-sterile, indicating
that these lines were not maintainers of the A, male-sterile cytoplasm.
Forage breeders have exploited the longer growth duration of photoperiod-sensitive pearl millet to breed
late varieties, e.g., Tiflate, at Tifton, and PSB 2, at Jhansi. Such varieties remain vegetative much longer, with
a more uniform seasonal distribution of green fodder which extends up to Oct-Nov when farmers have the
greatest need for fodder.
Photoperiod-sensitive pearl millet material has also been utilized in interspecific hybridization with Pennisetum
purpureum. Several such hybrids have been bred at the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research
Institute, Jhansi, and two of these have narrow leaves and upright growth, which offers the possibility of
intercropping a legume component. Many interspecific hybrids have been synthesized in Nigeria by utilizing
the male-sterile Maiwa line, and the possibility of hybrid seed production has also been demonstrated.
Breeding Sweet Pearl Millet Dual-Purpose Varieties
(Selection des mils sucres a double usage)
M . N . Prasad and P. Manivasakam
Cotton Research Station, Srivilliputtur, Tamil Nadu 626 125, India
Pearl millet straw, unlike sorghum straw, is not used as cattle fodder in Tamil Nadu because of its inferior
quality. To produce varieties for dual purpose (grain and fodder), sweet pearl millet types were utilized. By
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