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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Genetics and Breeding Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #125609
Title: EVALUATION OF STRIGA RESISTANCE IN THE SECONDARY AND TERTIARY GENE POOLS OF PEARL MILLET

Author
item Wilson, Jeffrey - Jeff
item HESS, D - ICRISAT, MALI
item Hanna, Wayne

Submitted to: International Sorghum and Millets Newsletter
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2001
Publication Date: 5/15/2005
Citation: Wilson, J.P., Hess, D.E., Hanna, W.W. 2001. Evaluation of striga resistance in the secondary and tertiary gene pools of pearl millet. International Sorghum and Millets Newsletter 42:87-89.

Interpretive Summary: Pearl millet is a potentially valuable new feed grain for the drought-prone soils of the southern United States. Several wild species exist which express various degrees of relatedness to pearl millet and may serve as reservoirs for valuable traits. The crop originated from sub-Saharan Africa, where the parasitic weed striga is one of the major limiting pests. .Species related to pearl millet were evaluated in Mali and Niger as potential sources of resistance to striga. Variation in striga infestation was observed in interspecific hybrids of pearl millet and napiergrass, but results were not conclusive. Most tertiary gene pool species were not adapted to growth in the Sahel region, but species that were adapted to these adverse conditions were identified. Further evaluation of these species will be required to assess the value of these species as sources of resistance.

Technical Abstract: Not required.