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