Effect of Seasonal Temperature on the Genotypic Variability of Flowering Duration in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in Niger

Heat stress is a major contributor to crop losses worldwide. Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a staple crop for inhabitants of arid and semi-arid regions of the world, due to its extraordinary adaptation to drought and high temperatures. Climate change points to an overall increase in temperature, the effect of which on crop growth and productivity remains to be determined. The most sensitive phase is the flowering period when the reproductive organs are exposed to excessive temperatures. A better understanding of the durations of this phase and the genetic mechanisms underlying the variability of these exposure durations will provide an important step toward the development of efficient breeding strategies for high and stable production of millet in semi-arid environments. This study evaluates the variability of flowering time in millet, as well as its relationship to yield components. Eleven varieties of millet, four of which came from the research center, were evaluated at two time periods with different minimum and maximum temperatures during flowering to see the impact on flowering time, set and grain yield. The device is in randomized complete blocks of 11 varieties with 4 repetitions. The results of the analysis of variance show significant variations between genotypes and between seasons, for most of the parameters measured. This wide variability could offer a new way to improvement for the species.