AUTOCHTHONOUS PEARL MILLET ECOTYPE (Pennisetum glaucum L. R.BR.) RESPONSE TO DIFFERENT SOWING DATES IN TUNISIA

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)R.Br.] is a potential crop for the Great plains in Tunisia, but there are no any studies on production practices.The research objective was to determine the optimal planting time for pearl millet in Mediterranean environment.Studies were conducted in Kairouan (centre of Tunisia) using an autochthonous pearl millet ecotype and seven sowing dates.The experimental design was a complete randomized block design with four replications.Plant morphological variables as well as yield characteristics were measured and related to sowing date and air heat units.Optimal planting times were determined by relating yield components with calendar date and with GDD (growth day degree).Grain panicle yield related to air heat units was effective in determining the optimal planting time.Optimal pearl millet planting times were between 1549 and 1441 GDD; base 10°C; or between 296 and 563 air heat units after 1 April for Kairouan.Pearl millet had large planting time window, allowing flexibility in planting time.Very early sowing before early May did not generate any advantages for earliness and yield components.Most suitable period for pearl millet sowing is between first May and early June for the Mediterranean region which offers a long and suitable environment for both main and double crop production.