Phenotypic diversity of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L. R. Rr.]) accessions in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted in the Bobo and Tashar Taya areas of Zamfara State, to examine the phenotypic characteristics of pearl millet and identify the varieties with a good physical appearance. Little is known about the phenotypic diversity of pearl millet accessions in the State. Methods used for data collection involved transect walks and in-depth interviews. Sampling involved two phases first, two study villages were sampled secondly, thirty-nine respondents were sampled for semi-structured interview administration. Data on phenotypical traits were collected based on 4 qualitative and 6 quantitative traits, presented in tabular form, and analyzed using simple percentages. The findings revealed that spike shapes vary from cylindrical; spindle, candle, and monkey tail. The entire collection displayed 6 types of seed colours; black 11%, brown 5.5%, whitish 5.5%, grey 28%, light green 28% and brownish 22%. Different spike lengths were observed between a range of 34 and 93 cm long. Spike diameter also varied among the accessions between 2.0 and 3.6 cm. It was discovered that Maiwa Gajera MLVBB10 with a grain weight per 1000 of 18.8 g had the highest grain weight of 1000 seeds and the least was Tarmekuwa MLVBB9 with 6.9 g/1000. It revealed that the 2 accessions Dandigali Dogo MLVBB5 and Soso MLVBB11 with the highest total seed per spike of 10416 and 8125 seeds, were collected from Bobo. This study recommended that farmer-based millet crop selection and improvement should be encouraged through initiatives like seed selection, seed exchange, seed fairs, and seed treatment.