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Hybrid Seed Production of Pearl Millet × Napiergrass Triploid Hybrids
Author(s) -
Osgood R. V.,
Hanna W. W.,
Tew T. L.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1997.0011183x003700030049x
Subject(s) - biology , pennisetum , pennisetum purpureum , hybrid , agronomy , interspecific hybrids , forage , interspecific competition , pearl , hybrid seed , interspecific hybridization , botany , dry matter , philosophy , theology
Pearl millet (PM), Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br., × napiergrass (NG), P. purpureum Schum ., interspecific hybrids (PMN) have the potential to extend production of high quality forage into the late summer and fall in the USA. The objective of this study was to determine if interspecific hybrid seed could be produced on a commercial scale at Kunia, HI, and to identify production problems. Although one block yielded 1145 kg ha −1 PMN seed in 1986, seed yields in most years averaged 300 to 600 kg ha −1 if birds were controlled. Rain storms during November and December, when seed was maturing, reduced both seed yields and seed quality. Observations in this study indicated that PMN seed may be more successfully produced if flowering of plants is manipulated to mature seed in March in Hawaii or if produced in a tropical climate with a dry winter season.