Cytogenetics and Reproductive Behavior of 48‐Chromosome Pearl Millet ✕ Pennisetum squamulatum Derivatives

Pennisetum squamulatum Fresen is a perennial hexaploid (2n = 6x = 54) species belonging to the tertiary gene pool of cultivated pearl millet [P. glaucum (L.) R. Br.]. Pennisetum squamulatum is a source of genes controlling apomixis, and useful genetic variability can be released in hybrids between sexual pearl millet and apomictic species. New genome combinations were produced between tetraploid pearl millet (2n = 4x = 28) and P. squamulatum by pollinating a sexual interspecific F 1 hybrid (2n = 41) with an apomictic 56-chromosomes derivative from another F 1 interspecific hybrid (2n = 41)