Multivariate analysis of recombination between wild and cultivated genomes within the primary gene pool of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides)

Recombination between wild and cultivated genomes of pearl millet were studied by multivariate analysis on morphological and physiological traits in backcross progenies from four cultivated × wild crosses. The cultivated genotypes, Souna and Thiotandé, have evolved in sympatric and allopatric situations, respectively, with wild forms. The distinct evolutionary history of the cultivated genotypes seems to have an incidence on the segregation pattern of their progenies with the wild relatives. Segregation distortions favouring the recovery of "wild-like" phenotypes were observed in progenies with Thiotandé as the cultivated parent. They are probably a consequence of the genetic divergence between this genotype and wild forms already shown at different levels of observation (histological, physiological, and genetic). On the other hand, when Souna is the cultivated parent, the recovery of "cultivated-like" phenotypes was shown to be easier with Souna as the female. This could be due to preferential homogametic fertilization favouring "Souna-type" gametes on Souna pistils owing to intergametophytic competition through a pollen–pistil interaction, already evidenced on the genotypes used here.Key words: pearl millet, multivariate analysis, segregation distortion, wild/cultivated genome recombination, genetic resources.