Variation in Tillering and Geographical Distribution of Foxtail Millet(Setaria italica P. Beauv.).

Abstract

Detailed analysis of tillering in foxtail millet (Setaria italica P. Beauv.) was carried out. The tiller development in 16 strains was observed throughout the growing season. Strains were classified into four tillering types, Type I, Type II, Type 111 and Type IV. Type I strains had the largest number of tillers with many primary tillers on the main culm, and further secondary and tertiary tillers. This tillering pattern is very similar to that of green foxtail (S. viridis P. Beauv.), the probable ancestor of foxtail millet. Strains of Type 11 produced only one or two primary tillers and no secondary tillers. Type 111 strains were non-tiller-ing and produced only one panicle on the main culm. It is supposed that Type I, which having high tillering capacity, was the first type domesticated from green foxtail. Types II and 111 subsequently differentiated from Type I by obtain-ing strong apical dominance.