Photoperiodic Response of Parental Lines and F₁ Hybrids in Pearl Millet

A low degree of photoperiodic sensitivity is a requirement for broad adaptation in a short-day specks such as pearl millet [Pennisetam giancum (L.) R. Br.]. The photoperiodic sensitivity of parental (male sterile and pollinator) lines of pearl millet and their F₁ hybrids was assessed in two experiments. Photoperiodic sensitivity was defined as delay in flowering in artificially extended daylengths of 14.5 or 15.5 h, over flowering under natural daylength of 13.9 h. Flowering time of hybrids was correlated to that of parental lines under normal and extended daylengths. The delay in mid parent flowering time was a very effective predictor of hybrid delay in flowering. Line X tester analysis indicated effects of both general and specific combining ability, depending on the materials studied.