A Comparison of the Biology of Wild and Cultivated Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum)

Abstract

Wild and cultivated proso millet (Panicum miliaceumL. ♯ PANMI) showed increased height and dry mass with increasing photoperiod and flowered under all photoperiods. Increasing planting density decreased height and dry mass and slowed seedhead development in both types. Shading increased plant height and decreased dry mass of both millets and increased germination compared to unshaded treatments. Planting date did not affect germination of freshly collected seed of either millet. Wild proso millet seed had a low germination rate until 8 weeks after panicle emergence, and the rate increased to 22% after 10 weeks. Germination of cultivated proso millet seed was low for 5 weeks after panicle emergence and increased to 92% after 10 weeks.