EFFECT OF SEED SIZE ON DEVELOPMENT TRAITS AND ABILITY TO TOLERATE DROUGHT IN PEARL-MILLET

Seeds of seven genotypes were graded into small and large sizes to stu dy the influence of seed size on the field performance of pearl millet (Pennisetum glacum) under moisture stress conditions. Analysis of var iance revealed that both seed size and genotypes significantly influen ced early vigour, number of tillers per plant, plant height, days to w ilting initiation, days to permanent wilting and dry matter production . Larger seeds in general produced vigorous seedlings, taller plants w ith greater tillering and higher levels of dry matter. Plants from lar ger seeds took longer to initiate wilting and then permanent wilting c ompared with plants from smaller seeds. An association study revealed that the weight of 1000 grains significantly and positively correlated with all traits studied except plant height. To improve the performan ce of pearl millet under arid conditions, conditioning of the seed lot s for seed size is suggested.