Genetic Diversity among Nigeria Maiwa Type of Pearl Millet Germplasm

Abstract

Characterization of pearl millet germplasm is imperative for categorization of germplasm and identification of the desirable genotypes for introgression into breeding programs. The available pearl millet genetic resources from Nigeria, and especially photoperiodsensitive materials or stay-green traits, have so far been exploited only to a limited extent. The present study was undertaken for initial morphological and phonological characterization of unexploited 'maiwa' or stay-green pearl millet accession in geographical gaps of Nigeria, to ensure high precision in future genotyping and phenotyping. The germplasm displayed considerable variability for Downy mildew severity,,days to 50 % flowering, plant height, panicle length and grain weight. There was no significant differences to striga infestation since there was no experience of striga emergence, suggesting resistance.