Growth and Development of the Pearl Millet Plant

摘要

Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum) is one of the most important food crops in the drier semi-arid tropics. The bulletin describes its three major growth phases: the vegetative phase, from emergence to panicle initiation of the main stem; the panicle development phase from panicle initiation to flowering in the main stem; and the grain-filling phase, from flowering to physiological maturity. Each phase has been sub-divided to make a total of nine morphologically distinct and recognizable growth stages. Descriptions and characteristics to identify each of these stages are given. The bulletin also describes the growth and development of the major plant parts. The data given are derived from several years of research on the physiology of the crop.