Total and seasonal distribution of dry matter yields for pearl millet x wild grassy subspecies hybrids

The wild grassy subspecies Pennisetum glaucum (L,) R, Br, subspecies monodi i (Maire) Brunken has been used as a source of germplasm for improved disea se resistance and cytoplasmic diversity for improving pearl millet [P. glau cum (L.) R. Br.] cultivars. The objective of this research was to evaluate a portion of the monodii germplasm to determine if this germplasm could be used to increase the dry matter yield and extend the growing period of pear l millet forage hybrids. Seventy-nine monodii accessions from Niger, Mall, Senegal, and Burkina Faso were crossed with Tift 85DA(1), a cytoplasmic-nuc lear-male-sterile (CMS) pearl millet used in commercial hybrid production. These hybrids along with 'Tifleaf 2' (a popular commercial hybrid) and 'Gah i 3' were tested for 2 yr on a fine, loamy, thermic Plinthic Kandiudult soi l at Tifton, GA, latitude north 31.48 degrees and longitude west 83.53 degr ees The best experimental hybrid yielded up to 31% more dry matter than Tif leaf 2. A significant hybrid X gear effect on total yield indicated that so me of the hybrids showed a differential response during the 2 yr, Tifleaf 2 produced between 23 and 32% of its total yield in the last harvest, wherea s a number of the experimental hybrids produced significantly more (up to 5 0%) of their dry matter in the last harvest. The experimental hybrids were consistent across years in their superior late-season production. Variation was also observed among hybrids for production of dry matter in the first harvest. Early production would be especially valuable in areas that have d istinct wet and dry seasons. This research indicates that genes for enhanci ng level and distribution of yield in cultivated pearl millet are present i n the wild grassy subspecies, monodii.