| Abstract: | Studies were made of the viability and vigour of seeds of pearlmillet (Pennisetum americanum) harvested at different stagesof grain development and from different controlled-temperatureenvironments. Seed viability and vigour of the next generationwere dependent on the extent of grain development at harvest.Where grain had developed for only one-third of the potentialgrain-filling period before harvest, seed viability and vigourwere greatly reduced. Harvest at or after the middle of grain-fillingdid not reduce seed viability or vigour. The temperature atwhich the grains had developed did not affect seed viability,but grains that had developed at 21/16 °C (day/night) producedseedlings of greater height and dry weight than those from grainswhich had developed at higher temperatures. |
