Differences on growth and grain yield between four pearl millet cultivars

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.