Trisomics in pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum(L.) R.Br.: development and morphological variation

Abstract

Crosses between autotetraploid and diploid lines of Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br. resulted in triploids. Progeny were obtained by selfing of F₁ triploids and/or backcrossing with diploid parent. Trisomic progeny were classified into seven groups based on their morphological characters. Seed-set was poor on trisomics (10-15%). Transmission rates of the disomic (x + 1) gametes of different trisomics were high, ranging from 16.7%-60.7% although seed germination was poor (6.8%). The progeny of each trisomic exhibited considerable morphological variation due to the heterogeneity resulting from differences in the genetic background of the parental accessions used unlike the uniformity found in earlier studies, where the autotetraploid parents were derived from the corresponding diploid parents.