The growth patterns of four cultivars of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (
L,) R. Brown), and their relationships with grain yield were evaluated thro
ugh plant growth analysis. In a field experiment in Haplaquult soil, the bi
omass of cultivars BN-2 and IAPAR (Brazilian cultivars for forage productio
n), Guerguera and HKP (African cultivars for grain yield) was sampled ii ti
mes. Brazilian cultivars presented earlier flowering and higher shoot dry m
atter in the beginning of the growth cycle, but African cultivars were supe
rior after flowering. There was no significant difference among cultivars f
or N concentration of tissues and grains. Brazilian cultivars produced doub
le number of panicles, and a more intense tillering. African cultivars pres
ented higher grain yield than Brazilian cultivars (403 versus 268 g m(-2)),
due to 1,000-grain weight, and panicle length almost twice greater. The in
ferior productivity of forage cultivars was in part due to the low planting
density used.