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Leaf Surface Effects on In Vitro Digestion and Transpiration in Isogenic Lines of Sorghum and Pearl Millet¹

Isogenic lines of bloomless Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench and normal (hairy) Pennisetum americanum (L.) Schum. [formerly P. typhoides (Burm.) Stapf. and C. E. Hubb.] were 31% more digestible according to in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) tests and lost significantly more water than their bloom-covered and trichomeless counterparts. The increased IVDMD and water loss are caused by differences in leaf surface characteristics. The increased IVDMD of bloomless sorghum and normal pearl millet may significantly affect animal weight gain and/or milk production through more rapid digestion and increased intake. The bloom-covered and trichomeless lines are probably more drought-tolerant because of slower water loss through the leaves.

Key Words: Cuticle • Bloom • Trichomes • Waxy surface • Sorghum bicolor • Pennisetum americanum

² Research Geneticist, Research Agronomist, and Research Geneticist, respectively; ARS, USDA, and the University of Georgia, College of Agriculture Experiment Stations, Coastal Plain Station, Tifton, GA 31794.

Received for publication March 11, 1974.