ABSTRACT
Taxonomically, the genus Pennisetum belongs to the Penicillaria section of the Gramineae. There is no reproductive barrier to hybridization between spontaneous and cultivated forms. Spontaneous forms are also found in the African area of distribution. P. violaceum (L.) is more or less limited to inhabited zones and areas close to crop fields, while P. mollissimum (L.) can also be found in zones where pearl millet is not cultivated. These two sponanteous forms exist exclusively in Africa; pearl millet is considered to be native to this continent. Certain cvs have only a principal culm, whereas some spontaneous genotypes form hundreds of culms. The genetic elements responsible for this behavior function as a well-coordinated group, easily manipulated and transferable from one genotype to another. This possibility of transmission presents a great advantage in floral physiology and biochemistry studies.
