Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding (The)
Year : 1981, Volume : 41, Issue : 3
First page : ( 411) Last page : ( 418)
Print ISSN : 0019-5200. Online ISSN : 0975-6906.

Internode Pattern in some Populations of Pearl Millet

Govil J. N., Sharma J. R.1, Patil R. R., Yadav S. P., Singh J. N.

Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110 012, India

¹Present Address: Institute of Medicinal Plants Improvement (CSIR), Lucknow.

Abstract

Pattern of internode length and type of internode growth-phase at initial and terminal stages of vegetative growth of the plant were examined in 175 populations consisting of hybrids, inbreds, open-pollinated varieties and male sterile lines in pearl millet (Pennisetum typkoides, Burm. S. & H.). Four genetically controlled distinct patterns of internode length namely, linear, unimodal, incomplete bimodal and bimodal patterns were recognised. Both internode pattern and growth phases were discussed in relation to traits related to development and productivity in this crop. Retarded growth of internodes that was revalent at initial stage of vegetative growth might facilitate proper seedling establishment under moisture-stress conditions. Most of the highly productive genotypes exhibited accelerated growth of internodes at the end of vegetative period, while dwarf genotypes manifested predominance of retarded growth which perhaps restricts their productivity. An ideal plant type, based on internode pattern, would thus consist of unimododa) internode pattern and retarded growth in the beginning followed by accelerated growth at the end of vegetative period of the plant in pearl millet.

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