Glossy genes in pearl millet

Abstract

A new seedling marker named glossy was found in pearl millet [Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke]. Subsequently, seven more glossy lines were identified after screening a world collection of 16 480 germplasm accessions. The glossy characteristic was distinguish able at seedling emergence and persisted for 28 days. Similar to sorghum and maize, mist accumulated as droplets on glossy leaves of pearl millet. Intercrosses among the eight glossy lines indicated that three different genes control glossiness. The gene symbols assigned were gl₁, gl₂, and gl₃. Studies of F₂ segregation in reciprocal crosses between the glossy and nonglossy plants showed a segregation ratio of 3: 1 and no reciprocal differences. The F₂ segregation ratios also showed that genes controlling purple plant color (P), long bristles (Bl) and trichomeless (tr) were independent of gl₁ and gl₂.