Effect of seed size on developmental traits and ability to tolerate drought in pearl millet

Abstract

Seeds of seven genotypes were graded into small and large sizes to study the influence of seed size on the field performance of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) under moisture stress conditions. Analysis of variance revealed that both seed size and genotypes significantly influenced early vigour, number of tillers per plant, plant height, days to wilting initiation, days to permanent wilting and dry matter production. Larger seeds in general produced vigorous seedlings, taller plants with greater tillering and higher levels of dry matter. Plants from larger seeds took longer to initiate wilting and then permanent wilting compared with plants from smaller seeds. An association study revealed that the weight of 1000 grains significantly and positively correlated with all traits studied except plant height. To improve the performance of pearl millet under arid conditions, conditioning of the seed lots for seed size is suggested.