Selection for Earlier Flowering in Pearl Millet Due to Climate Change in the Sahel
Author Information
Author(s): Vigouroux Yves, Mariac Cédric, De Mita Stéphane, Pham Jean-Louis, Gérard Bruno, Kapran Issoufou, Sagnard Fabrice, Deu Monique, Chantereau Jacques, Ali Abdou, Ndjeunga Jupiter, Luong Viviane, Thuillet Anne-Céline, Saïdou Abdoul-Aziz, Bezançon Gilles
Primary Institution: Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
Hypothesis
How is the agro-system in Niger responding to recent recurrent drought and climate change?
Conclusion
Recurrent drought can lead to selection for earlier flowering in pearl millet, suggesting that adaptation occurs without the need for new crop varieties.
Supporting Evidence
- Pearl millet samples collected in 2003 displayed a shorter lifecycle compared to those from 1976.
- An early flowering allele at the PHYC locus increased in frequency from 9.9% in 1976 to 18.3% in 2003.
- No major changes in the main cultivated varieties or their genetic diversity were observed between 1976 and 2003.
Takeaway
Farmers in Niger are growing pearl millet that flowers earlier because of changes in the weather, helping them adapt to less rain.
Methodology
The study compared pearl millet samples collected in 1976 and 2003 from the same villages in Niger, analyzing phenological and morphological traits in a common garden experiment.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sampling methods and environmental conditions during the two collection years.
Limitations
The study may not account for all environmental factors affecting crop adaptation.
Participant Demographics
Farmers from 79 villages in Niger participated in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website