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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Development of innovative principles and techniques that may be used as models to improve plant performance. Progress report, February 1, 1985-January 31, 1986

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5243591
A weedy Pennisetum americanum subspecies (monodii) is a valuable source of genes for resistance to the major diseases of pearl millet, providing a stable cytoplasmic male sterile system, restorer genes, and yield. These genes can be employed efficiently in screening and breeding methods. The secondary gene pool, that of P. purpureum, has genes for male fertility restoration and grain yield. The interspecific hybrids between pearl millet and P. purpureum have immediate forage potential. New interspecific hybrids have been produced between pearl millet and P. schweinfurthii of the tertiary gene pool. Progress is recorded in developing pearl millet inbreds Tift 23E and 23D, each with 50 different cytoplasms, for a future detailed study on the effects of cytoplasm on agronomic characteristics. Male-fertile, apomictic backcrosses and bridging hybrids continue to be produced for transferring gene(s) controlling apomixis from P. squamulatum to pearl millet. The principles and techniques developed in this study have significant implications for transferring genes controlling apomixis and other characteristics from the tertiary gene pools to cultivated crops.
Research Organization:
Georgia Univ., Athens (USA). Research Foundation
DOE Contract Number:
AS09-76EV00637
OSTI ID:
5243591
Report Number(s):
DOE/EV/00637-14; ON: DE86000083
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English