Pearl millet

Pearl millet

Pearl millet originates from tropical Africa and is an important food crop in parts of Africa (for example the Sahel region) and in the Indian sub continent.

The grains can be ground into flour, which is used to prepare a porridge. Malt of pearl millet can be used to brew beer. Pearl millet is also grown as a forage crop, for grazing, silage and hay.

Several small grain cereals are called millets. Of these, Pearl millet is the most common.

Names

Scientific
   Pennisetum glaucum
Synonym
   Pennisetum americanum
   Pennisetum spicatum
   Pennisetum typhoides
   Pennisetum typhoideum
English
   Bajra
   Bulrush millet
   Candle millet
   Cat-tail millet
   Cattail millet
   Dark millet
   Pearl millet
   Spiked millet
Dutch
   Parelgierst
Spanish
   Bajra
   Mijo negro
   Mijo perla
French
   Mil penicillaire
   Millet à chandelles
   Millet perle
   Penicillaire
   Petit mil
German
   Negerhirse
   Perlhirse
   Pinselgras
   Rohrkolbenhirse
Italian
   Miglio perlato

Taxonomy

Genus
   Pennisetum
Family
   Poaceae
Order
   Poales

Basic information and facts

Origin:

Pearl millet originates from tropical Africa.

Distribution:

Pearl millet is grown in Africa and the Indian sub continent. It is an important food crop in the Sahel region.

Plant:

An annual, upright bunch grass that tillers from the base. When mature it can be 1.5 to 2 meter tall (sometimes even higher)

Flowers:

The flowers of pearl millet is a single raceme, which depending on the variety can be 10 to 50 centimeters long.

Climate and weather:

Pearl millet grows in dry warm climates. It is tolerant to drought.

Pollination:

 

Height:

Often 1.5 to 2 meters tall.

Type of soil:

Can grow in soils with low fertility and tolerates high soil salinity.

Spacing (close range)

40 × 10 cm

Spacing (wide range)

80 × 80 cm

Propagation:

Pearl millet is grown from seeds.

Insect pests:

 

Diseases:

 

Harvesting:

 

Uses:

Pearl millet is often ground into flour, which can be used to prepare a porridge. Sometimes it is prepared as a beverage. Malt of peral millet can be used to make beer. In some parts of India, pearl millet is used to make roti.
Pearl millet is also used as forage crop. Livestock producers grow it for grazing, silage and hay.

Did you know that?

Several small grain cereals are all known by the name “Millet” but are actually different crop species.

Crop categories

Cereals
Food crops
Tropical crops

Pictures

Pearl millet